Connecting Through Shared Experiences

Life is full of coincidences, but we must always be open to noticing signs the universe is sending that reinforce the power of connectedness through words. Indulge me in this little story about the power of writing and how it can help you feel connected to someone you don’t know, simply through the power of similar lived experiences.

Before beginning to write Accidental First Lady, I researched comparative titles. I visited dozens of book stores, performed numerous Google searches, looking for other books that were similar to the one I was planning to write about being a political spouse. Queyring authors are often required to submit a list of “comps,” other already-published books in your genre and subject matter. Aside from Michelle Obama's Becoming and Connie Schultz’s And His Lovely Wife, not much existed that told the story of the political spouse role.

Recently, my neighbor gifted me Secrets of the Sprakkar by Iceland's First Lady, Eliza Reid. As I flipped through the book, the first line in chapter 5 caught my eye: "Like so many good ideas, this one began over a bottle of wine."

I stopped reading, went to my office, and grabbed Accidental First Lady off the bookshelf. That’s my 2021 memoir of 22 years of political spouse life. It’s not elections, rubber chicken dinners, or gladhanding that comes to mine when I think about our former life in politics.

It’s wine.

Specifically, the wine reference in my book is early, in the 4th paragraph in the preface. It reads: “The one Sunday evening, a friend who lived nearby asked if he could stop by. Over a bottle of wine- I don’t remember if it was red or white - he suggested Rick should run for the St. Petersburg City Council.”

In Secrets of the Sprakkar, Reid’s wine line referred to her decision to start the Iceland Writer's Retreat, not the joint one between her and her spouse to enter politcs,. Still, it was a delight to find a similar sentiment expressed from another "accidental first lady."

While her role represents a country and mine only Florida's 5th largest city, there are similarities in expectations, emotions, and experiences. This is just one small example of how I immediately felt connected with someone I’ve never met.

This feeling is not unique to me. That’s the power of books and the stories housed with the pages. When we believe in the power of our stories, we dare to invite others into our world for an intimate experience.

For instance, began to read about Reid’s experiences as Iceland's First Lady, I felt an immediate kinship. Despite never having met her and living worlds apart, the parallels in our lives as political spouses created a thread of connection. It’s this shared experience that makes us feel understood and less alone in our journeys.

Empathy Through Writing

Writing has a unique magic: it captures the essence of our experiences and translates them into stories that resonate with others. When we read about someone else’s struggles, triumphs, and everyday moments, we gain insight into their world. This insight fosters empathy, as we recognize parts of our own stories within theirs. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we share common human experiences.

By telling our stories, we not only validate our own experiences but also invite others to connect with us. Our words become a beacon, attracting those who have walked similar paths. This shared recognition cultivates a sense of belonging and community. We realize we are not alone in our experiences.

Captivating Through Authenticity

Telling our unique stories has the power to captivate others. Authenticity is magnetic; when we write from the heart, our words resonate deeply. Readers are drawn to genuine narratives that reflect real emotions and experiences. This connection fosters relationships, as people are more likely to engage with stories that feel real and relatable.

In sharing our journeys, we invite readers into our world, creating a space where they can see parts of themselves. This is the magic of writing and books: they transcend the barriers of time and space, allowing us to connect with others in meaningful ways. Our stories become a platform for sharing not just our lives, but our humanity.

The power of writing lies in its ability to connect us, to foster empathy and understanding, and to captivate through authentic storytelling. When we share our stories, we create a tapestry of human experiences that reminds us of our shared journey. Believe in the power of your stories; they are the threads that weave us together, creating a rich and diverse community bound by the magic of shared experiences.

I look forward to learning more from Reid and getting to know thes “sprakkar,” Icelandic for “extraordinary women.” Stories can change us, and embracing unlikely roles has the power to transform and elevate in ways we never imagined.

It remains a mystery as to whether or not my husband would’ve thrown his hat into the proverbial political ring without my support. What I do know, is this: If we hadn’t considered Lars’ suggestion over that bottle of red or white, I might never have been an accidental first lady, or an author.