The unexpected collateral benefit I received from making theater and film about my childhood sexual abuse

After decades of working through the memories of my childhood with various professionals who used a variety of approaches, I started to "give back" with a series of theater and film projects. Through those same decades, I'd been moved, inspired and strengthened by dozens of stories about this experience. The connections I've made through these projects have been personally fulfilling - way above expectations. As my weight was lightened by storytellers before me, it has been mind-boggling to experience that my own storytelling has provided solace and lightened this weight for others. And witnessing this drives me further to seek new ways to lighten the weight of this experience for others. All 4 of my grandparents came to America for a better life. Perhaps this same drive for a better life is informing my actions. The wonder has been the collateral benefit that these actions are having for others.