An Interview with Julie Fairhurst. Shining a Light on Stories:
In today’s highlight, I’m thrilled to share with you an inspiring conversation with Julie Fairhurst, an exceptional woman who has dedicated herself to empowering others through the power of storytelling. Julie and I had not met long before this interview, but her story and mission have already left an indelible mark.
Introducing Julie Fairhurst
It felt wonderful to be back on this memorable day, and I couldn’t wait to introduce someone remarkable. Julie Fairhurst, though on the other side of the country from me, has managed to bridge the distance with the incredible work she does. Julie curates and publishes books filled with the stories of women’s lives, providing hope and inspiration.
Having authored several compilations, she understands the monumental effort such projects require, and it’s her dedication that we celebrate today.
Julie joined me to share her journey. She expressed her gratitude for the invitation and briefly outlined her background in sales, marketing, and promotion—a career that spanned 34 years. However, by 2016, she felt the burnout and began the search for what she would do in the next phase of her life.
A Life-Changing Dream
Julie recounted a profound dream that became a turning point. In her dream, surrounded by a white bright light, she was told it was not her time and that she had to go back because she had not finished her purpose. Waking up with the word “write” etched in her mind, she initially thought of writing sales books. However, burnt out from her previous career, she sought something that resonated deeply with her. This led her and her husband to move to a quieter community in 2019.
Tragedy struck when her 24-year-old niece died of a fentanyl overdose. This heart-wrenching loss fueled Julie’s determination to break the cycle of generational trauma pervading her family. She observed the patterns of addiction and realized the importance of storytelling as a means to heal and inspire others to overcome similar struggles.
The Birth of a New Mission
Driven by this newfound purpose, Julie called on her stepsisters and friends to share their stories. Together, they published their first book in December 2019. Today, Julie has authored and facilitated the writing of 35 books, featuring the stories of over 160 women. She proudly transitioned to full-time writing and coaching, recently retiring from her marketing position to focus entirely on this meaningful work.
Julie emphasized a key aspect of her program: no one pays to share their story. She believes it’s crucial that there be no financial barrier to anyone wanting to share their journey and help others heal. Her goal is to stop the generational trauma by empowering women to tell their stories and support each other in their healing journeys.
Overcoming Shame and Guilt
Julie’s narrative highlighted an often overlooked triumph—escaping the cycle of generational addiction. It’s a feat not to be understated, considering the deep-rooted impacts of such trauma. Elaine, too, related personally, acknowledging the strength it takes to overcome such burdens.
Throughout our talk, Julie revisited therecurring theme of shame and guilt. Many women with whom she has worked initially felt hesitant to share their stories, fearing judgment or exposure. Yet, Julie reassured them that the act of sharing is liberating, both for the storyteller and the audience. Publicly sharing their experiences diminishes the power of shame and inspires others who may be silently suffering.
The Power of Sharing Stories
One of Julie’s authors, a woman in her seventies, expressed how her life changed after contributing to Julie’s books. Stories hold immense power, turning personal pain into communal healing. These books are about recounting traumas and nurturing resilience and hope through shared experiences and lessons learned.
Addressing Abuse with Sensitivity
Julie’s approach to storytelling also involves guiding authors on how to frame their narratives sensitively. For instance, when dealing with topics like infidelity or abuse, Julie advises mentioning the experience without delving into graphic details. This way, the focus remains on the story of overcoming hardships rather than the specifics of the trauma itself.
Inspiring Others to Share
Julie’s interview reminded us that we don’t have to force others to share their stories. By being positive role models and shining lights in our own right, we inspire others to open up. Julie’s program sees an influx of new participants because people see the transformative effects of storytelling and want to experience it for themselves.
Family Trauma and Personal Growth
On a personal note, Julie shared the trauma her mother endured after a tragic incident, which profoundly affected their family. Despite the pain, Julie chose a path of understanding and forgiveness, highlighting the importance of not letting past traumas dictate our futures. She maintained relationships with her family while setting healthy boundaries to protect her well-being.
Setting Boundaries with Family
Julie’s story underscored the need for setting boundaries with family members who may have a negative influence. It’s about finding a balance where you protect your well-being while maintaining love and connection. This is especially relevant for women who often juggle multiple responsibilities and relationships.
Gratitude and Overcoming Victimhood
A key takeaway from our discussion was the power of gratitude. Julie and I agreed that being grateful for the small things, like waking up in the morning or enjoying the fresh air, can profoundly impact one’s mindset. This shift in perspective helps move away from a victim mentality and attracts more positivity into one’s life.
Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
To wrap up, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for Julie’s work and for being such an inspiring guest. Those interested in sharing their stories should visit womenlikemestories.com to see how they can contribute to Julie’s ongoing mission.
Thank you, Julie Fairhurst, for illuminating the path for so many women through the power of storytelling. And to our readers, remember to make the very best of you today and every day. See you next time.
