What’s Your Story?
Looking at these photos from my family album, you might think, What’s the Story? I can assure you, there are several stories represented here — each of them a treasure!
While many of us were told stories as children, fewer and fewer families are making storytelling a tradition. Maybe it’s because we have lifestyles that don’t have room for evenings with grandparents or long family meals. Maybe it’s due to the insistence of technology as a source of communication in our lives: television, internet, cell phones.
Whatever the reason, when we lose our stories, we lose a lot!
You may not even realize how stories have helped shape who you are. For instance:
- Family Stories - hearing about the challenges our parents and grandparents faced before us teaches us lessons we don’t have to learn the hard way; hearing about their achievements lets us share in their sense of accomplishment
- Ethnic or National Stories - beyond our biological families, we have a national or ethnic heritage; those stories remind us of the values we share with others we know
- Religious Stories - almost every faith tradition is based on a collection of historical narratives that show us how to live out our beliefs; many religions also use parables and wisdom stories to teach morality
- Legends and Tales - children and adults alike enjoy the delight of listening to the adventures of famous heroes and heroines as we see how traditional characters are like the people we know
- News Stories - while much of what we get from media outlets is “bad news,” with a little effort it is possible to read and tell stories about amazing real life individuals and situations
- Personal Stories - these are the most powerful of all narratives because as we tell them to others, we can begin to understand our own lives
Each of us has a story treasury. Is story sharing a part of your relationships? If so, keep it up, while looking for new ways to celebrate storytelling in your home life and work life; storytelling can be a great parenting and leadership tool. If you are not using the power of narratives, your own personal stories offer a great way to begin.
You might start by thinking about simple questions like these:
- What lesson did you learn on the playground at school?
- Who is someone who helped you when you needed it most?
- When did you feel you did the right thing?
- Which family member are you most like?
- What is a time when your life changed forever?
- Did you ever lose something important?
- What is something you have never told anyone?
These are the kinds of stories that help us put our lives in perspective and help others understand us. Why not share your experiences with your friends and family members? You might be surprised how eager they will be to share their own memories.
And if you haven’t had a family gathering in a while or if you face conflict in other areas of your life, remember:
Hearing Each Other’s Stories is the First Step in Making Peace!
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