The Power of a Good Story

My nakama,

I hope you’re all well. I’ve been pondering about stories and how they play a pivotal role in our lives. Whether it’s to inspire, teach, entertain, or make us nostalgic about times past, they always have a significant impact, either positively or negatively. One specific way I've thought about their role in my own life, which I feel is often overlooked, is how they can aid in the healing process. The stories I constructed in times of hardship when all else felt lost, and particularly the ones I watched and read while in the hospital when I wasn’t in extreme pain, have been especially meaningful. So here is a list of a few that have gotten me through some tough times and also stimulated my creative side, in no particular order:

1. One Piece

Of course, this had to be on my list. A manga created by Eichiro Oda only a few months after I was born! Call it divine timing or coincidence, but you could say two great things were created in 1997: me and this masterpiece in storytelling. Over 1000 manga chapters and anime episodes in, it keeps me hooked with probably the best world-building and philosophical ideals I have unconsciously incorporated into my life with great results. Those are tales for another day, though. I highly recommend it to anyone and just advise you to take your time and make sure you filter your social media, so you don’t get spoiled on anything!

2. good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar

I first heard this album in 2013 after moving to Addis Ababa. It marked the beginning of my own self-discovery, particularly in music. Kendrick’s sophomore album, in every sense of the word, is a classic I regularly revisit, especially "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst." How I wish to experience that song for the first time once more. Ten minutes of gut-wrenching, eye-opening storytelling with a hint of hope but probably a lot more regret all intertwined into one. Kendrick transports you into the harsh world he grew up in, completely different from my middle-class background in many ways, yet emotions so universally relatable in the form of grief, survivor’s guilt, and hope for the future. It’s poetry in motion to the backdrop of a jazz instrumental like I’ve never heard before. The somber guitar loop on the track still plays in my head to this day and was probably one of the reasons I took up guitar, so I could eventually play along to it and many more. It’s a great way to take me to another world and forget my predicaments or remind me why life can be so beautiful yet fleeting in its diverse ways.

3. Phineas and Ferb

We can’t be gloomy and introspective all the time, so a nostalgic fun time is added to the list. Definitely one of the most creative and colorful ways high agency can be instilled into anyone. Those two boys had me thinking Uganda’s dry season wasn’t a bad place to be if you were creative enough in your boredom. It’s more of a comfort show for me right now, and best believe, no matter my state, when "E.V.I.L. B.O.Y.S." by Candace comes on, I am singing along.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy

Let’s ignore the last two movies as far as I’m concerned with this particular franchise. I was truly mind-blown at 12 when I watched Jack Sparrow and the gang come across my screen for the first time. Jack’s seemingly carefree nature was fascinating and entertaining to watch, but also so eye-opening the older I got. His sort of stoic nature in the face of adversity during his adventures was inspiring. There was always something intriguing about how quick-witted he was yet seemingly foolish to those who didn’t know him, allowing him to reach his goals. Though his actions were not practical or applicable to my own situations, that’s where discernment comes into play, my friends. The influence, though, has been unmatched in the way it made me want to lean into my more creative yet seemingly insane decision-making and actions.

5. Rye Lane

As a romantic, I had to put in one of my more recent hidden gems that shot up to my top 5 romantic comedies. It felt like a breath of fresh air with how colorful it was throughout its runtime. The storyline was not as clichéd as many would expect, and I felt like the two main characters, Yas and Dom, played off each other so well. They gave me hope for a healthy kind of love with room to grow and not be put in a constricting box. I highly recommend you watch it.

6. Entergalactic

Another romcom on the list, created and produced by Kid Cudi, who is one of my top ten rappers/creatives of all time. I have probably watched this six times in the past year since it came out on Netflix, and it hits every time. I always find something new to gawk at, from artwork to particular scenes or music made for the movie. Tens across the board for me.

7. Dune Part 1 & 2

I can only speak on how good the movies have been because I haven’t read the books yet, but they’re definitely on my list. In terms of the movies, though, I have nothing but great things to say about them. Denis Villeneuve knocked it out of the park when bringing the world of Dune to life, from sound design to VFX and a stellar cast, all fused together to make one of the greatest cinematic experiences I have ever experienced. The philosophy and messages about the dangers of a false messiah and the ways in which noble ideals, goals, and the downright need to survive can be warped by religious dogma lead to fatal consequences. It paints a tapestry of how cycles of hatred and self-victimhood to oppressor with the blood of the innocent. It’s truly a sad predicament and reflection of human history at different points in time, but there are also many lessons to be learned about the dangers of one’s own ego, pride, and muddied life experiences.

I could write more and more, but you would be here all day. I thought it would be fun to share some holistic ways one can heal or learn to make sense of our crazy lives with some relatable examples that can apply to a variety of age groups. Stories are one of these many critical yet underappreciated forms that have helped me through the most difficult times, whether sick or otherwise. It truly is the stories we are told or tell ourselves that shape the way we see and form the world around us.

Until the next post, I hope something great is happening to you.

With love,

Jon