---
title: "The Long Way Here: Listening to the Story Your Life Is Telling You"
description: Discover the wisdom within your life story through reflective journaling prompts inspired by The Long Way Here— a book to guide your inner journey.
---

[Mari's Journaling Power Blog | CreateWriteNow ](https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog)

# [The Long Way Here: Listening to the Story Your Life Is Telling You](https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog/the-long-way-here-listening-to-the-story-your-life-is-telling-you)

 Written by [Anne Spoldi](https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog/author/anne-spoldi) | November 18, 2025

Every one of us has a long way here — a path shaped by choices, losses, surprises, and quiet moments that stay with us. For years, I never imagined I would write a book about mine. But the more I coached leaders, the more I realized something powerful:  
our stories are always speaking to us, if we’re willing to listen.

Journaling has been one of the ways I’ve learned to listen. It’s where I sort through the noise, slow down enough to feel, and uncover what a moment is really trying to teach me.

**Stories that invite reflection**

The Long Way Here is a collection of 36 short, true stories — drawn from my life and from years of coaching extraordinary people through pivotal moments. Some are tender, some humorous, some raw, but all of them hold a simple intention: to open a little space for readers to reflect on their own life.

All but one-story ends with gentle reminders and journaling prompts — questions designed to help you explore your values, your inner voice, and the choices that are shaping who you are becoming.

**What I hope journalers discover**

For journalers, I hope this book becomes a companion — something that nudges you t

*Hope — the steady kind that rises even in the smallest moments.

*Vulnerability — letting your pen tell the truth before you’re ready to say it out loud.

 *Clarity — seeing what really matters beneath the full, busy surface of life.

I encourage you to keep your journal beside the book, writing a few lines after each story. My hope is that you use it in the way that best supports your own inner journey.

**Your story matters — write it down**

If this book carries one message, it’s this: Your life has wisdom in it. Your story deserves to be written, explored, and honored. 

Pause. Pick up a pen. Ask yourself what life is trying to tell you right now.

**With gratitude**

I’m deeply grateful to Mari McCarthy and the CreateWriteNow community for welcoming *The Long Way Here*. As the book launches today, my wish is simple: that one story meets you where you are — and inspires a few words in your journal that help you take your next step.

***The Long Way Here*** is available now:  [Order it here! ](https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Here-Stories-Resilience-ebook/dp/B0FV11497K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0)

 

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