Every picture may tell a story but every person has a story to tell too! Stories of happiness, strength, courage, joy and even fantasy come from deep inside people in all walks of life. Sometimes these stories are written down in books and blogs so we can read them at our leisure. Some stories etch themselves on the faces of those who have lived every moment of the tale. Sometimes stories have yet to be coaxed out into the open.
YOU are invited to participate in TELL A STORY DAY, Wednesday, April 27, 2016! I found out about this, doing a Google search for special days in the month of April. There isn’t a group laying claim to starting this special recognition day, but storytelling is as ancient and natural as life itself. Whether you write it for all to enjoy or share it with one special someone, YOU have a story to tell.
So what is the value of telling our stories? Sharing family history is one powerful example! In my family, which is HUGE, there are many untold stories. My dad is the last of his family, still going strong at 80 years of age. We talk every week. In fact, we have a weekly ‘Saturday night date’ to stay in touch. Over the last few years, he has shared quite a bit of family history during our talks. I have learned about his childhood, lived in both Canada and the United States. For instance, it’s been interesting to hear stories about my grandmother, who passed years before I was born. I have also learned some things about MY childhood which I did NOT know. While I remember being in the hospital for surgery in my mid-teens, I didn’t know that I had required a blood transfusion. Who donated the blood? My father (tears here). This has been great for us and all it took, was for me to ask.
Are there stories are locked inside of you, just waiting for the invitation to be told? Consider this your invitation! Consider how you can present your information? Is entertaining your style? Perhaps informative and straight to the point will work the best. Maybe this is something you will blog or will sit down, face to face with an eager listener. You could always write a letter or even record your voice telling your story. Interpretive dance? That could work too!!
Maybe there’s someone else in your life who is waiting for the opportunity to share a story. Encourage your children to tell you about their day. Ask an elderly family member about the years gone by. Perhaps you might just spend a moment or two with a new neighbor and ask them how they like their new home. You could even take turns with your partner, writing out something about yourselves and then after reading what each of you has written, have a discussion.
There’s a lot of love out there and being genuinely interested in what someone else has to say, is one way of showing love. Trusting someone with your story is powerful. And sometimes, the information you impart can help someone else put together the pieces to a puzzle, allowing them to get on with their life. Of course it can also just be plain, old FUN!
Whatever way you choose, take the opportunity to share a story on TELL A STORY DAY, Wednesday, April 27th.
Annette Rochelle Aben 