Please create a video and tell us your story.
Create and share a video of your “Essence Story”
An essence story is something founder Casey Gomes used with his clients over the years when doing transformations – it’s a way for us to connect to our core. To identify and share an experience that has deep meaning and a profound impact on us. The process of sharing an essence story with another person creates an instant and authentic connection.
An essence story is:
- A personal event or occurrence that shapes your life.
- A meaningful experience that can be shared with another person – they are meaningful for both the person sharing and the person receiving.
- An experience that allows others to understand you on a deeper, more personal level, by learning how the story impacts the “essence” of who you are.
- In short: a powerful and dynamic way to connect with others at your core.
Watch Essence Story Videos by our Inspire families here!
- We created two additional guides about how to write an essence story and record it from home that are on this page.
- The most important thing to remember: YOU CAN DO THIS! All you need is a smartphone. Remember, sophisticated production quality is not needed, so keep it real!
- Sit down in a place with good lighting, relax, and record your story. As long as it is authentic, there is no stopping you!
Video Duration:
- Each video should be about 2-4 minutes long
- You may practice with a 20-second “teaser” video that provides a taste of your essence story
- Remember: about one page of bulleted, well-spaced writing creates enough script for a two-minute video
- It doesn’t take much, so start writing!
Please complete the form below to submit your video.
Want to compose a written essence story instead?
Check out this link.
How to Tell A Compelling Essence Story
Over-arching principles:
- Make it Personal: use the first person to tell the story with lots of “I” and “we” statements.
- Get Into the Details: jump right in and list the specific events that occurred (of course don’t over-embellish, just tell the truth!)
- Tell us How You Feel/Felt and Why:
- This made me feel ___ because something like this had never happened before.
- I was totally ____ due to these circumstances and how ___ changed my life.
- I am _____ as a result of this experience because of ____.
The Structure of an Essence Story Includes Three Sections:
- Dynamic introductory/purpose statement and/or overall theme of the story, and a strong opening paragraph.
Examples: - I never knew writing notes to my children was so important until one special day.
- Becoming a parent has been the single greatest blessing in my life.
- Watching my mother battle cancer inspired me to be a better father.
- A few paragraphs that share specific details of what happened and when.
- Closing statement and a paragraph that is linked to the opening statement – why this theme is so important to you and what you want people to take away from it.
Above all, remember and live the Parents Inspire core values:
- Vulnerability – We will lower our defenses and judgment in a way that invites others in, even though it may make us nervous. We will always share our best, true self – the triumphs, the trials, the humor, and the hurt.
- Authenticity – We will always share our best, true self – the triumphs, the trials, the humor, and
the hurt. - Love – We will, above all else, treat others with compassion and care.
- Understanding – We will seek information about the diverse world and people around us.
- Empathy – We will withhold judgment and try to see things from the other person’s perspective.
Everyone can embody these values, so everyone can tell a great essence story.