I Shared My Story | Finding Clarity & Healing Through Storytelling | Ellen Acconcia, USA

About the Storyteller

Ellen Acconcia is a former marketing and communications professional originally from New York City who now writes from her home on the coast of North Carolina.

Throughout her career, she has worked as a marketing director, publicist, and communications specialist across a range of industries, including book publishing, the performing arts, economic development, and professional association management.

Ellen's writing has been published by Next Avenue (PBS), Business Insider, and The Sunlight Press, among others. She is a member of the North Carolina Writers' Network and holds a certificate in Creative Nonfiction from New York University.

This is what happened when Ellen shared her story on Daily Inspired Life ... 

What Happened After Sharing Her Story

How Did It Make You Feel When You Were First Invited To Share Your Story?

I was delighted. I felt for quite some time after my experience that I wanted to share it widely.

Describe any personal benefits sharing your story has brought you:

Sharing the story has brought me recognition, of course, but more than that I think it has also provided me with clarity about that moment and also healing. My story dealt with a warm, emotional moment when I was able to interact with a trained dolphin while on a trip in Cozumel, Mexico. I'd known for a while about the dangers of using animals for entertainment value having written an essay about orcas several years ago after visiting Sea World. I kept telling myself this was different, it was me fulfilling a dream of being up close and personal with one of these amazing, intelligent creatures. Yet, afterward I was struck by guilt remembering stories I'd read about animals kept in captivity for entertainment purposes and their despair and, sometimes, mistreatment. I'm really glad I took the angle I did -- of clarity -- with my essay.

What was the greatest challenge you had sharing your story?

Truthfully, the greatest challenge was finding a home for the piece that would "get it" and give it the treatment it deserved. I'm so glad that after submitting to DIL, the team recognized the story's core message.

Were you helped in any way by the process the DIL team used to help you develop your story?

I was only asked to approve one small change, which I without question..

Did sharing your story, help you understand yourself more deeply?

Yes, I think it did. I think I wanted to be part of all the people I'd heard of (and known) who'd swam with dophins and had other experiences like this.

Did you enjoy the response you received from others in relation to your story?  How So?

Yes, absolutely. The comments were all very positive and reinforced what I learned through telling it. Many people felt as I do that animals in these situations have no choice in what they do. Most people were sympathetic to the fact that we humans often want to do these things not realizing the cost to the animal involved.

Would you recommend others share their story?

Yes. If you have an experience that is pivotal to understanding a life challenge or event, please consider sharing it because others surely feel the same way and sharing it will help them process their emotions.

Many people who share their story experience a similar shift.