I’ve noticed that in my writing, I use both story and journey. And since a big part of good conversation is making sure we attach the same meaning to words, I figured I’d explore the difference. That difference was one big consideration in deciding who I want Fidget-Wear to be. Do I want it to be part of your story or your journey?
The words story and journey are similar but carry different nuances:
- Story is about the what—the events, experiences, and moments that shape a person. It has a beginning, middle, and end. Through our lives, we all have many stories.
- Journey is about the process—the ongoing path, growth, and evolution, often filled with challenges, learning, and transformation along the way. Our journey starts before we’re born and continues after we’re gone through the lives we’ve touched.
For Fidget-Wear, our story might describe how it all began—the inspiration, the key moments, the spark that set things in motion. But our journey is the bigger picture—how Fidget-Wear keeps growing, evolving, and adapting alongside the people who wear it.
So instead of saying, “Fidget-Wear is built on my story,” I’d say:
“Fidget-Wear is built on a journey—mine, yours, and the many to come.”
Now, I’ll admit—I’m a storyteller. I love sharing and hearing stories because they’re how we connect. They spark ideas, open doors to new perspectives, and sometimes, they just give us a reason to laugh or even cry together. How often have you heard someone say something and thought, “Oh wow, I never would’ve thought of that!” or “That’s exactly how I feel!”
But here’s the thing—we don’t tell stories as much as we used to. Life moves fast. We’re juggling work, chasing after kids, cramming a million things into our schedules. And let’s be honest, I know I’m guilty of it—screens have replaced a lot of our face-to-face conversations. Who remembers The Rest of the Story? (We sooo need to bring that back.)
Before I became a stay-at-home mom, I worked full-time in an office. I was about middle of the road in terms of age range of my co-workers. I was early 30’s and gave birth to my younger two boys while employed there. I had a younger co-worker—let’s call her Becky—who was fresh out of college. Somehow, Monday mornings became our thing. She’d stop by my desk and ask about my weekend. I’d ask about hers, but she was never all that interested in telling me about it.
So, I’d share mine.
“You wouldn’t believe what came out of this kid’s mouth…”
or
“Dad had to take a kid to the ER, and while there, the kid—not Dad—tried to ‘pick up’ the nurse, he wanted her to come home with them. And he’s FOUR. We are in trouble with this one.”
We’d laugh for a few minutes, and then she’d be on her way.
Over time, Becky got to know my boys through these Monday morning stories. But, as life goes, I eventually left that job to focus on my family. It’s been at least ten years since we last talked.
But I’ll never forget something she said to me one day.
After one of our Monday morning check-ins , she goes, “If you guys were a reality TV show, I’d watch you.”
I laughed then, and I still laugh now.
For those who don’t remember, this was during the peak of reality TV families being all the rage. And I never thought of us as particularly watch-worthy—we were just a regular middle-class family. But I think that’s exactly what she liked. It wasn’t about over-the-top drama or made-for-TV moments. It was just life—the humor, the chaos, the ridiculous everyday moments that anyone with kids (or siblings… or a spouse… or just life experience) could relate to. We felt familiar.
So this is me—sharing stories and thoughts. Not because I think my family is wildly unique or fascinating, but because maybe we’re just normal enough that you’re not really laughing at me—you’re laughing with me. Because if you haven’t been in the exact same situation, you can totally picture your family there. And if not, and you’re just laughing at me… I’m okay with that too.
And that’s the beauty of stories. They remind us that we’re not alone in this crazy, messy, hilarious journey of life.