So, storytelling terrifies you? Good news inside.

Amy had big reservations about sharing her story, now she's showing up with more ease and it's just the beginning.

Sharing my story openly feels as second nature to me as breathing. But that wasn’t always the case.

For a long time, the mere thought of it felt overwhelming and intimidating, as if I were standing butt naked in a room full of confident, charismatic women who seemed to effortlessly captivate all around them. I was convinced that my story wasn't interesting enough, profound enough or inspiring enough. The whiney voice inside my head was tiresome: "No one cares about your story. It's ordinary, it's boring. You're going to embarrass yourself."

Maybe you've felt this way too.

Perhaps you're quietly watching from the sidelines, admiring women who share their stories boldly, wondering how they do it without crumbling under the weight of their own vulnerability. Or maybe you've attempted storytelling, but the internal doubt and overwhelm pulled you back into silence. Or, as is the case for so many of us juggling business, children, parents, life, you have the desire to share your truth, just not the energy or time to do anything about it! Am I right?

You're not alone.

Meet Amy. A founder member of my storytelling accountability group programme, the She Roars Club.

When I first chatted to Amy about her storytelling goals, she was hesitant. She laughed nervously as she confessed, “It’s all so bloody overwhelming, I don’t know where to start.” She also admitted that without support, she’d feel far too vulnerable sharing her story, hence her snapping up a place in ‘da Club’.

Despite being the self-confessed ‘talkative’ one of her husband and wife team-led website design agency, Anorak Cat, Amy isn’t naturally inclined to put herself in the spotlight. Posting occasionally on social media felt like a chore, just enough to remind people she was still around. Or, as she so beautifully put it, “letting them know I’m not dead!."

But deep down, Amy knew she had more to say, stories that deserved to be shared to help her connect with customers, new and old and grow her businesses in the way she wanted it to go.

What changed for Amy wasn’t a sudden surge of bravery or dramatic overnight confidence. It was much simpler and far more meaningful: she found a safe space in the She Roars Club with others who understood exactly what she was feeling but had different approaches to dealing with it (that’s the beauty of community).

Slowly but surely, Amy began to open up in a way that felt natural for her. Her once sporadic posts became more regular. She stopped worrying about being perfect and started embracing the joy of simply connecting.

And it didn’t go unnoticed. Existing followers began to re-engage and the word is getting out there. The beauty with Amy’s story, is not just in the telling of the great work she does and how she helps other small businesses owners, but in the warmth and openness in which she shares. You just know you’d be a safe pair of hands, should you choose to work with Amy, her storytelling shows you that.

If you're at that crossroads now, wanting desperately to share your story but frozen in place, I see you. Here are five kind truths I’ve learned from my own experiences, and from Amy’s, about how to start storytelling, even when you’re scared or dare I say it, just too darn busy.

Truth 1 - You don't need to do this alone

Storytelling isn't an individual sport. Finding your tribe, people who genuinely support you, encourage you, and don’t judge you, is crucial. When you have someone to lean on, vulnerability becomes less about fear and more about trust.

Truth 2 - Small steps can be more powerful than big leaps but, you do you.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need an epic narrative or dramatic reveal to be interesting to your clients. Start gently, quietly even. Share small moments or reflections. These little steps build your storytelling muscles, making it easier each time.

That said, if jumping off tall buildings without a parachute is your thing, it’s one way to shift any fears or feelings of procrastination. Big or small, when you do what’s right for you (no-one else), it will feel rewarding.

Truth 3 - Accountability is your friend (you know the one, that won’t take no for an answer when you try and wriggle out of the yoga session you said last week you’d do)

Make gentle commitments to yourself and perhaps share them with others you trust. Accountability doesn’t have to be harsh or demanding; it can simply be a friendly reminder that you matter, your stories matter and showing up matters. Equally, if you are anything like me, knowing you have ‘homework’ to do before an accountability group session is often the best motivation for getting shit done!

Truth 4 - Every teeny, tiny moment counts

Celebrate your courage every single time you share. Even the smallest sentences shared are victories. Acknowledge these moments. Each one moves you closer to being the storyteller you want to become.

Truth 5 - Your story is needed

Never underestimate the impact of your experiences, especially as you get to midlife. What feels mundane to you might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Your story can offer comfort, inspiration or simply a massive sigh of relief knowing someone else shares their feelings.

Amy’s transformation wasn’t loud or spectacular, it was gentle, steady, and real and yours can be too. Of course, it will require her to continue to show up and share her story until it is truly embedded but that’s the beauty of growth. We are all a work-in-progress.

Why not take a moment to reflect quietly on your own story, on the words you’ve been holding back. You don’t have to share immediately, but when you're ready, remember: you're not alone. Your story matters deeply, and there’s a community here ready to listen.

And, if a bit of extra support is what you need, and a group you know will be patient and understanding as you test out your voice and your stories sounds like a great place to start, then come and join us at the She Roars Club.

It’s an evergreen programme which means you can join at anytime. You’ll have access to a whole heap of self-paced online learning to support you, whether you’re new to storytelling or wanting to perfect your skills but more importantly - you’ll have the group to keep you going.

We meet fortnightly on Zoom for accountability. Plus a co-writing session every other week and a monthly Q&A. And you have direct access to me for support and guidance too.

Sign up now for 6 months - it’s £350 upfront (one month free) or you can split the costs for £70 a month.

All the details can be found here. Or book a call with me to chat through what you need and see if the Club would be a good fit.

Always here to support you

Hilary x