When you are in the middle of a story it isn't a story at all, but only a confusion; a dark roaring, a blindness, a wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood; like a house in a whirlwind, or else a boat crushed by the icebergs or swept over the rapids, and all aboard powerless to stop it. It's only afterwards that it becomes anything like a story at all. When you are telling it, to yourself or to someone else. -Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace
In the midst of chaos, a situation may feel overwhelming and unclear, resembling a tumultuous experience rather than a coherent narrative. Just like a house caught in a storm or a boat in treacherous waters, individuals can feel powerless against life's challenges. These moments can be disorienting and painful, where clarity is lost and only confusion remains.
However, with time and reflection, we can begin to shape these chaotic experiences into a meaningful story. It’s only by recounting these events, whether to ourselves or to others, that we can gain understanding and perspective. This process of storytelling empowers us, transforming confusion into a narrative that makes sense and allows us to move forward.
