Creative Ways to Keep Family Storytelling Traditions Alive

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect generations, strengthen bonds, and preserve family histories. For many families, storytelling traditions are passed down naturally, often during holidays, family gatherings, or quiet moments at home. But as time goes on, it can be easy to let those traditions fade. The good news? There are countless creative and fun ways to keep storytelling alive in your family, ensuring that these precious stories don’t just survive—they thrive for generations to come.

In this post, we’ll explore imaginative ways to make storytelling a cherished and ongoing tradition in your family. Whether you’re looking to share tales at a family reunion, start a new tradition, or bring a little more fun to your weekly dinners, we’ve got some great ideas for keeping storytelling at the heart of your family.

1. Create a Family Storytelling Night

Why not set aside a dedicated time each month or season to gather and tell stories? It could be as simple as a “Family Storytelling Night,” where each family member—young and old—shares their favorite memory, an interesting family tale, or a funny event from their past. This can be done around a dinner table, in front of a fireplace, or even via video call for family members who are far away.

The beauty of this tradition is that it becomes something everyone can look forward to. It’s an opportunity for younger generations to hear about their ancestors' lives and for older family members to pass down lessons, experiences, and wisdom. These sessions don’t have to be formal—they can be spontaneous and filled with laughter.

Example: Imagine a cozy evening where your children and grandchildren listen as you share a story about your childhood adventures. Your great-grandkids might chime in with their own tales, and a conversation will blossom that spans generations.

2. Make It Interactive with Family Story Games

To make storytelling more interactive, try turning it into a game. Games can spark creativity and laughter while encouraging everyone to contribute. For example, a simple storytelling game can be "Story Cubes." You use dice with pictures or words on them, and as each person rolls the dice, they add to the story based on the image or word that shows up.

Another option is "Story Pass," where one person starts telling a story, and after a set amount of time, they “pass” it to the next person, who continues the tale. This creates hilarious twists and keeps everyone engaged. It’s a fun way to practice storytelling while keeping the conversation flowing and allowing for unexpected turns in the narrative.

Example: You could be telling a tale about your childhood summer vacations, and the next family member rolls a die showing a “dog” and “river.” They could add, "And then we found our dog, Max, swimming in the river!" The creativity and unpredictability of these games help spark new stories while connecting past and present experiences.

3. Build a Family Story Library

If you’ve been recording your stories or writing them down, why not create a family story library? This could be as simple as a dedicated bookshelf where everyone contributes written stories or printed photos that highlight important family milestones and memories. You can also create a digital version—a shared online document, blog, or family website—where each family member can post stories, videos, and photos that hold meaning.

This library is something everyone can visit to relive special moments, share new stories, or learn more about their ancestors. And it doesn’t have to stop at written stories—videos, voice recordings, and even drawings can be part of the collection. It becomes a living, growing record of your family’s history, a resource for future generations to cherish.

Example: Your grandchildren could pull up your family’s online library and watch a video of you telling a story about your wedding day. They could also add their own stories as they grow older, making it a living archive of family memories.

4. Storytelling Through Art and Craft Projects

If your family enjoys being creative, you can use art and craft projects as a unique way to tell stories. For example, you can create a family scrapbook that illustrates key moments in your family’s history. Include photos, sketches, mementos, and written stories to create a visual representation of your family’s journey.

Another idea is to make a “Story Quilt,” where each family member contributes a patch that represents a memorable event or important moment in their life. As the quilt grows, so does the story of your family. Each patch is a symbol of something that happened or something that mattered, and the finished quilt tells a unique and colorful story that can be passed down through generations.

Example: Your grandkids may have enjoyed making their own quilt squares, each one reflecting a favorite memory they’ve heard about from you. It’s a beautiful way to honor the past and create something meaningful for the future.

5. Digital Family Stories: Blog or Podcast

Technology can help families stay connected, even when they’re spread out across the world. Why not start a family blog or podcast where you and other family members can share stories and record oral histories? This is an ideal way to create a lasting record of your life stories, and it allows for easy sharing across generations.

A podcast is a fantastic way to preserve your voice and personality, letting family members listen to your stories at their convenience. You can even interview other family members, turning it into a collaborative storytelling effort. A blog works similarly, giving each family member a chance to write and post their memories and experiences.

Example: You could launch a family podcast where each week, a different family member shares a favorite story, or you could create a blog that compiles everyone’s memories of significant family events like weddings, births, and reunions.

6. Celebrate Family Heritage Through Storytelling Rituals

Consider weaving storytelling into your family’s holiday or celebration traditions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a birthday, or New Year’s Eve, storytelling can be a meaningful part of these events. You could have a “story exchange,” where everyone shares their favorite memory from the year, or even hold a “memory jar,” where people write down stories or memories to read aloud at a later date.

These rituals make storytelling an ongoing part of family life, and the act of celebrating together enhances the meaning of the stories. By turning storytelling into a cherished tradition, it becomes a regular part of your family’s culture, one that brings everyone closer together.

Example: On each family member’s birthday, the tradition could be that the person celebrating shares a story from their past—a funny childhood tale, a memorable travel experience, or a lesson they’ve learned in life. This creates an atmosphere of appreciation and reflection for everyone involved.

Bringing Storytelling to Life

The tradition of storytelling is one that can adapt and evolve with time, and it’s never too late to start creating these cherished moments. Whether it’s a game, a digital archive, or a regular family gathering, the goal is to make sure that storytelling continues to be a meaningful part of your family’s life. It helps keep your history alive and connects the generations in a way that’s both fun and impactful.

In the next post, we’ll dive into more ideas for recording and organizing family stories, helping you make sure those memories are safe for generations to come. Stay tuned

Bringing Memories to the Surface: Thoughtful Questions to Help You Share Your Story

Sometimes, the hardest part of telling your life story isn’t what to say—it’s figuring out where to begin. Even with storytelling prompts, you might find yourself staring at a blank page or struggling to decide which memory to share first.

That’s where a good question can make all the difference.

The right question can unlock a flood of memories, helping you recall moments that shaped you in ways big and small. And if you have family members who are hesitant to share their stories, asking the right questions can encourage them to open up in ways they might not have on their own.

Let’s explore some powerful questions that can help you (or your loved ones) start telling your story, along with tips on how to make storytelling a natural and enjoyable experience.

Starting with Small but Meaningful Questions

Sometimes, the most vivid memories are tied to everyday moments rather than major life events. These types of questions make it easy to ease into storytelling:

• What was your favorite thing to do as a child?
• Can you describe the house or neighborhood you grew up in?
• What was a typical day like when you were young?
• Did you have a favorite toy, pet, or place to go?

These kinds of questions help you step back in time without feeling pressured to tell a “big” story.

Example:

"I had an old red wagon that I used for everything—hauling apples from the orchard, pretending it was a race car, even using it to give my little brother rides around the yard. One summer, my father let me use it to help deliver newspapers. I felt like the most important kid in town, pulling that wagon up and down the street, handing out the news."

Small details like this can bring a story to life and make it more enjoyable for both the storyteller and the listener.

Encouraging Deeper Stories

Once a conversation is flowing, deeper questions can help bring out moments of growth, resilience, and transformation.

• What’s a moment in your life that changed the way you saw the world?
• Was there a time when you had to make a difficult decision?
• Who is someone who had a lasting impact on you?
• What is one lesson you’ve learned that you would pass down to future generations?

These types of questions often lead to powerful stories about love, loss, perseverance, and discovery.

Example:

"I had a teacher in high school who saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I wasn’t the best student, but she told me I had a way with words. She encouraged me to enter a writing contest, and to my surprise, I won. That was the first time I believed I might actually be good at something. Her encouragement changed the way I saw myself, and I carried that confidence into everything I did after that."

A simple question about an influential person can uncover meaningful memories that might have otherwise remained untold.

Helping Loved Ones Open Up

If you’re encouraging a parent, grandparent, or older relative to share their stories, patience and curiosity go a long way. Not everyone is comfortable talking about themselves, and some may feel that their experiences aren’t important enough to share.

Here are a few ways to make storytelling feel natural and enjoyable:

1. Make it a Conversation, Not an Interview

Instead of sitting down with a notebook and firing off questions, try bringing up memories in casual conversation. For example, if you’re cooking together, you might ask, “Did you ever cook with your parents when you were little?”

This approach helps storytelling feel organic rather than like a task.

2. Use Photos, Music, or Objects as Memory Triggers

Old photographs, a favorite song, or a well-worn keepsake can bring back memories that words alone might not. Looking through a photo album together or playing a song from their youth can be a great way to spark stories naturally.

3. Show Genuine Curiosity

Some people hesitate to share their stories because they’re not sure anyone really wants to hear them. Let them know you’re truly interested. A simple phrase like “I’d love to hear about what life was like when you were my age” can go a long way.

4. Record Stories for Future Generations

If your loved one is open to it, consider recording their stories—whether through voice memos, videos, or written reflections. Knowing their experiences will be passed down can make storytelling feel even more meaningful.

The Power of Sharing Your Story

Your life is made up of thousands of moments, big and small. Some of them shaped who you are, some made you laugh, and some taught you lessons that are worth passing on.

By taking the time to reflect on and share your experiences, you’re giving your family something priceless—a connection to their past, a sense of where they come from, and a deeper understanding of who you are.

In the next post, we’ll explore different ways to preserve these stories, whether through writing, audio recordings, or creative family traditions that keep memories alive for future generations.

Bringing Your Stories to Life: How to Structure and Record Your Memories

Now that you’ve started thinking about the stories you want to share, the next step is figuring out how to structure them in a way that makes them engaging, meaningful, and easy to remember. Some people worry that their stories are too scattered, or that they won’t know where to begin. But storytelling doesn’t require perfection—it just needs heart. The book my daughter gave me was very useful and full of prompts to start the conversation, for which I am grateful. In our next post we will pose some questions to help bring out your memories.

Think of your memories like pieces of a puzzle. Each one is valuable on its own, but when you fit them together, they create a picture of your life—one that your family and loved ones will treasure.

So, how do you begin?

Finding Your Starting Point

Many people assume they have to start at the beginning—childhood, early years, and so on—but that’s not always the best approach. Sometimes, the most powerful way to begin is with a moment that shaped you, a turning point that led you to where you are today.

Maybe it’s the day you left home for the first time. The moment you met someone who changed your life. The time you made a difficult decision that turned out to be the right one—or maybe the wrong one.

If starting with a big moment feels overwhelming, try something smaller. A favorite childhood meal. A place you used to visit that no longer exists. A song that instantly transports you to another time.

Stories don’t have to be told in order. Think of them as scenes from a movie—you can tell the most interesting parts first, then fill in the details as you go.

Bringing Your Stories to Life

The best stories feel real. They pull people in, making them feel like they were there with you. To bring your memories to life, focus on details—not just what happened, but what it felt like.

Instead of saying:
"We moved to a new town, and it was different."

Try this:
"The first morning in our new house, I woke up to complete silence. No city sounds, no neighbors yelling. Just the wind through the trees. It felt strange, like I had stepped into someone else’s life."

See the difference? One is a fact, the other is an experience.

Think about your senses—what did you see, hear, smell, or feel? Those small details make your story real to the person listening.

And don’t be afraid to include emotions. If you were nervous, excited, or even scared, say so. People connect with feelings as much as they do with facts.

Choosing the Right Way to Share Your Stories

Not everyone enjoys writing, and that’s okay. The best way to share your memories is the way that feels right for you.

Some options to consider:

·         Writing in a journal – If you enjoy writing, start with short reflections. You don’t have to write full chapters, just small moments. A page about your first job. A paragraph about your best friend growing up. Over time, these memories add up.

·         Recording your voice – If writing feels like a chore, try recording your stories instead. Many smartphones have voice memo apps, or you could use a simple recorder. Speaking naturally allows your personality and tone to come through.

·         Video storytelling – If you’re comfortable with it, record short videos of yourself telling stories. This adds another layer—your expressions, your laughter, the way you tell a story—all of which can make the memories even more meaningful for future generations.

·         Sharing stories in conversation – Sometimes, the best way to preserve a memory is to tell it to someone. Start a tradition—maybe sharing a story at family dinners or holidays. You might be surprised by the interest and curiosity that sparks.

Involving Loved Ones

If you’re not sure where to start, let your family help. Ask them what they’d like to know. Maybe your granddaughter is fascinated by what school was like when you were young. Maybe your son never heard the full story of how you met his mother.

Let their curiosity guide you. Sometimes, a single question can unlock a flood of memories.

And don’t worry if you repeat stories—some of the best-loved family tales are the ones that get told over and over. The ones that make everyone smile, even before you get to the punchline.

Your Story, Your Legacy

No matter how you choose to share your memories, the most important thing is that you do it. Your stories are more than just personal recollections—they are a gift to your family. A way for them to understand their history, to feel connected to you, and to carry a piece of your experiences with them.

Start small, keep it simple, and let your memories unfold in their own way. You don’t need to have a perfect plan—just a willingness to share. And when you do, you may find that telling your stories is just as rewarding for you as it is for those who listen.

Telling Your Story: Sharing the Journey That Made You Who You Are

For Fathers Day this year, my daughter gave me a book called  “Dad, I want to hear your story” This was an unexpected moment, when I realized that the stories of my life—the ones that shaped me, the ones that still make me smile, the ones I carry in your heart—are stories my family may not fully know. They might know pieces, little fragments gathered from conversations over the years, but do they truly know the journey that brought you to where I am today?

So this and the next few posts are about how you can share your personal history, which isn’t just about telling stories. It’s about connection. It’s about helping your children, grandchildren, and loved ones understand who you are, not just as a parent or grandparent, but as the person who lived through experiences they may never have imagined.

For many, the challenge isn’t having stories to tell—it’s knowing how to tell them.

Where do you start? How do you make your experiences feel as vivid to your family as they do to you? And perhaps the biggest question of all—will anyone really care?

The answer to that last question is a resounding yes. The world may feel fast-paced, and attention spans may seem shorter than ever, but deep down, people crave real, personal stories. Your family wants to know you. They want to hear about your triumphs, your struggles, the choices that shaped you, and the moments that made you laugh. They want to understand the history that lives within them, the legacy they are a part of.

So how do you begin?

Start with reflection. Take a quiet moment and think back—who were you as a child? What were the defining moments of your early years? Maybe it was the first time you earned money for something you built with your own hands. Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Maybe it was moving to a new country, a new town, or a new school where you had to start fresh.

Think about the turning points—the moments when life sent you in a new direction. Were they planned, or did they surprise you? A job that led to an unexpected career path, a chance meeting that changed everything, a decision that seemed small at the time but turned out to be monumental.

And of course, think about the lessons—what have you learned about love, resilience, joy, and loss? What wisdom would you pass on, not as advice, but as stories that illustrate the truth of what life has taught you?

Once you begin reflecting, the next step is to find your voice.

Some people find it easiest to write things down. Others prefer to tell their stories out loud, perhaps recording them for future generations. And sometimes, the best way to share is in conversation—over dinner, during a walk, or sitting quietly with a loved one who wants to listen.

If writing feels overwhelming, start small. A letter to a grandchild. A short memory written in a journal. A few lines recorded in a voice memo on your phone.

And if you’re sharing your stories in person, don’t worry about making them perfect. The beauty of storytelling is that it’s alive—it grows, it changes, and it finds meaning in the moment. Speak as if you’re telling a dear friend. Be yourself.

You might wonder—what if my family doesn’t ask? What if no one seems interested?

The truth is, sometimes people don’t realize how much they want to hear a story until it’s being told. They may not know the questions to ask, or they may assume they already know your life’s highlights. But the moment you begin sharing, you’ll often see their eyes light up with curiosity.

Try starting with something unexpected. Instead of saying, “When I was young, things were different,” try, “Did I ever tell you about the time I almost got fired on my first day of work?” Or, “I’ll never forget the first time I rode a bicycle—it did not go well.”

A little intrigue, a little humor, a little drama—these are the ingredients of a great story. They make people lean in, eager to hear more.

And don’t be afraid to share the hard moments too. Your struggles, your missteps, and your resilience in the face of adversity are just as valuable as the happy memories. They show the depth of your experiences and the strength that carried you through.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is a deeper understanding of yourself. Not just as the person they know today, but as the child, the dreamer, the risk-taker, the hard worker, the survivor.

And as you share, something incredible happens—your family starts to see parts of themselves in you. They recognize the same determination, the same humor, the same curiosity. They realize that they are not just listening to a story—they are connected to it.

So start sharing. One memory at a time, one conversation at a time. Your stories are a gift, a legacy, and a bridge between generations. And trust me—your family wants to hear them.

Most early memories are...

My niece is fascinated with family history and wanted to know more about her father's childhood. While I couldn't recall many specific details, I did remember a kaleidoscope of fleeting images. Early memories often resemble this, as our brains process and store information differently during early childhood. This phenomenon, known as childhood amnesia, is common and can make it difficult to remember events from our earliest years.

As young children, we experience the world through strong sensory impressions: sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. These vivid snapshots form the foundation of our early memories, but they often lack a clear narrative structure. It's like having a collection of puzzle pieces without the box to guide us.

As we age, our brains begin to connect these fragments into a more coherent story. We add context, emotions, and relationships to create a narrative that makes sense. However, this reconstruction process can also lead to inaccuracies or distortions. Each time we revisit a memory, we may blend it with new information or experiences, shaping the story in subtle ways."

Our brains are constantly changing and growing. This development can affect how we remember things. As our neural pathways reorganize, early memories may become fragmented or even lost. This is why it's often difficult to recall specific details from our earliest years.

While childhood amnesia can make it challenging to remember the past, the stories we share and the memories we cherish can help us connect with our loved ones and understand our own history. Even if our recollections are imperfect, they offer valuable insights into who we are and where we come from. Every picture tells a story, we just don’t know if the story is partial, a true story or a blending of many truths. I do know that I think my Niece was satisfied with the stories I shared with her.

A Tale of Friendship and Adventure how to tell a story

It's important to use simple language, focus on core themes and emotions, and provide repetitive elements to aid young children and seniors with dementia comprehension and engagement. The goal is to create an enjoyable and accessible experience that brings joy and sparks memories. As many of you know, I have a friend who has vascular dementia, and he is moving quickly to a point where his memory will fade. I listened as another friend told him a story about friendship.

Jack started his story with Once upon a time, in a small town nestled by the rolling hills, there lived a wise and kind-hearted old man named Steve. Steve was known for his warm smile, twinkling eyes, and his never-ending stories that captivated the hearts of everyone he met.

 One sunny morning, as Steve sat on his favourite bench in the park, he noticed a timid figure approaching. It was a young boy named Billy, whose eyes shimmered with curiosity and wonder. Steve sensed something special about him and invited him to sit beside him on the bench.

With a gentle voice and simple words, Steve began to tell Billy a story. It was a tale of two unlikely friends, a clever fox named Felix and a brave rabbit named Rosie. The two of them lived in the enchanting forest just beyond the town.

 Felix was known for his cunning ways, always finding a solution to any problem. Rosie, on the other hand, was courageous and never shied away from an adventure. Together, they embarked on a journey to find a magical gem that was said to grant any wish.

 As Steve continued the story, he carefully described the beautiful forest with tall trees, colourful flowers, and sparkling streams, painting a vivid picture in Billy's mind.

 He explained how Felix and Rosie encountered obstacles along the way, such as a roaring river and a dark cave filled with mysterious sounds. But their friendship and determination helped them overcome these challenges. Steve highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience, and never giving up, all values he held dear.

 Throughout the story, Steve repeated key phrases and introduced recurring characters, making it easier for Billy to follow along. He also encouraged Billy to ask questions, allowing him to engage actively in the storytelling experience.

 As the story reached its climax, with Felix and Rosie discovering the magical gem hidden deep in a secret grove, Steve described the profound joy and happiness they felt. He emphasized that true treasures are often found in the bonds we form and the memories we create.

 With a contented smile, Steve concluded the tale, and Billy's eyes sparkled with delight. The story had taken them on a wondrous adventure, evoking emotions of bravery, friendship, and the beauty of nature. Steve and Billy sat there for a while longer, basking in the shared experience.

Jack ended his story as follows:

In the following days, Billy returned to the park, eager to hear more stories from Steve. They became the best of friends, cherishing each moment they spent together. Steve, with his stories filled with warmth and simplicity, continued to touch the hearts of everyone he met, leaving a lasting legacy of love and imagination.

Stories touch us and help us reach out to others and connect at an emotional level. 

The Storytelling Chairs

Seven wooden storytelling chairs sit at the heart of the COVID in the House of Old exhibit, speaking to seven lives indelibly altered by the COVID pandemic’s spread through long-term care. Each individual represented by a chair stands in place for hundreds or thousands of Canadians who faced similar circumstances.

The chairs’ audios were culled from a series of interviews conducted over the Fall of 2021. Daughters, sons, and grandchildren told tales of devastating loss. Survivor residents spoke of painful separation. Workers described confusion, exhaustion and terrible stress.

Yet, the people profiled here are much more than casualties of history. Their stories are also about aspiration, accomplishment, enthusiasm, good times, bravery and deep personal connection. A representational object is mounted on the back of each chair, while paper “Valentine” acknowledgements, lovingly created by family, friends and project researchers, rest on each seat.

Bob’s Chair

Bob was a deeply loved husband, father, and grandfather. He had a successful career at BC Tel and was active in recreational sports on Vancouver’s North Shore. He died of COVID at Lynn Valley Care Centre in April 2020. Listen to the 5-minute audio about Bob here or click on the chair. Bob’s Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Maggie’s Chair

Maggie, born in Toronto to parents from Trinidad and Jamaica, was a secretary, a single mother, a volunteer and a devoted grandmother. She died of COVID in Toronto’s Wellesley Central Place in April 2020. Listen to the 5-minutes audio about Maggie here or click on the chair.

Maggie’s Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Moon’s Chair

Moon was born, married and made a family in Hong Kong. Moving to Vancouver in the 1990s, she enjoyed bingo, cooking, volunteering and family time. She dies of COVID in Little Mountain Place in December 2020. Listen to the 5-minute audio about Moon here. Moon’s Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Esther’s Chair

Esther is a care aide (PSW) in a long-term care facility in Toronto. A registered nurse originally from Uganda, Esther has the ambition and passion to build a fulfilling career in Canada’s healthcare system as a nurse. Listen to the five-minute audio of Esther here. Esther’s Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Jacobus’ Chair

Jacobus was born in the Netherlands. A father and a grandfather, he left his long-term care facility in Ontario in July 2020 to live with his daughter on Hornby Island, BC. Jacobus loves nature, farming, languages, and his family. Listen to the five-minute audio about Jacobus here. Jacobus’ Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Karen’s Chair

Karen was a Squamish First Nation resident of Hilltop House, a long-term care facility in Squamish, BC. She loved her son and daughter and her culture. Karen died unexpectedly in November 2021. Listen to the five-minute audio about Karen here. Karen’s Chair – COVID in the House of Old

Wikwemikong Nursing Home

The Wikwemikong Nursing Home lies on the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory in Northern Ontario (Manitoulin Island in the Great Lakes area) and holds this chair. This is a place where Indigenous and non-Indigenous elders are honoured and cared for with kindness and respect.

The Wikwemikong Nursing Home chair speaks to the Truth and Reconciliation calls for Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge and practices to be recognized as equally valid. In fact, the story of the Wiky Nursing Home community is a signpost for settler Canadians to a better way of caring for our vulnerable elders.

Nursing home residents made the paper “Valentines” that rest on the chair and cluster around its base. The objects mounted on the Wikwemikong Nursing Home chair were selected by members of the home community with input from Elder Rita Corbiere. A Wikwemikong craftsperson created the birch bark canoe and the Wikwemikong crest was carved by a student at the local high school. Listen to the five-minute audio about the Wikwemikong Nursing Home here. Wikwemikong Nursing Home – COVID in the House

Stories

I love a good story as do all of us. Stories help us understand and put order into the chaos that we live every day. We get up in the morning and we have no idea what will happen to us as we live out the story of our lives. Today we could be a hero, a victim, a villain, a bystander or a witness. Tomorrow we don't know what part we will play. Life is confusing and chaotic and mostly good.

As we look back at our lives we start to create a narrative or a story about our life so that we can become the heroes or heroines of our own story.  In ancient time we revered storytellers and held them in high esteem, today we still do but we hold the actors who play in the stories to a higher regard than the writers who create the story. 

I love my stories to be told in printed form or in the form of a song, but I will embrace a well-told story done on stage or in any visual medium. My wife loves her stories to be told in any visual form but still likes stories told in printed form. She does not fully appreciate the stories that we hear in musical form as much as I do. 

Whatever the format a good story puts order into our confusion, a good story has five components, characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution.The plot of a good story has a beginning, a middle and a resolution. The setting is where and when the story takes place, and the characters are the people the story is about, or who are in the story. Every story has a conflict to solve sometimes the conflict is resolved with humor, sometimes with drama. The plot centers on this conflict and the ways in which the characters attempt to resolve the problem.

As we age and look at the end of our life, we begin to think of how we can leave a legacy to those we leave behind. We start to build the statement or story of our life. Hopefully, we find the means to resolve the conflicts we have had in our lives and find a way to resolve them in a way that is not hurtful to others. 

When we look at the story of our life, who are the characters that share our story, who are the supporting cast, the good and bad people we have shared our life story with over the years. Are we the heroes in our life that we imagined we would be when we were ten years old? If we find we are not that hero, then the question becomes is it too late to become that hero or can we rewrite the last few chapters so that if we are not the hero, perhaps we will play a better part?

Life meaning is framed by styles of appearance, language, material acquisitions, and social affiliations in the quest for a solid footing in the external world. As we age we begin to look inward rather than to the outer world in our search for life meaning and a satisfactory resolution to our story.

Counterfeit

Another challenge from BrewNSpew The event is to Write a story or poem of 5 Lines or Less using the word counterfeit. Please drop by and join the challenge at Patricia’s Place. Here is the first by -Eugenia

Dang counterfeit news

Is what’s been taught for naught

Just noodle the thought

The wicked have become insipid

The whoo’s vs who’s is not amused

Here is mine, based on a movie from 1936 and a book which was written in 1984

Counterfeit lady,

Ever so Shady

Filmed in the 30’s

Did not meet with success

Recreated in the 80's with much more finesse

Stories

We love to tell and listen to stories as a species. Stories provide us with the lessons of life we need to survive, to grow, to prosper and to learn. 

For example, we cannot understand love without stories about love. Stories about love that we see in fiction, in our own lives, in our family history shape our understanding of what love is and what love is not. Stories of love and belonging that we invent or that are told to us, help us understand our own or perhaps a friends childhood. 

We only need to listen to the stories from our youth or from our friends youth; we do not need to know a great deal about the history of patterns of attachment that extend back into childhood to know how we or our friends see love. 

Past loves shadow present attachments, and take up residence within them. This, in turn, suggests that in order to talk well about them we will need to turn to texts that contain a narrative dimension, thus deepening and refining our grasp of ourselves as beings with a complicated temporal history. 

Perhaps that is why when lovers first meet, they listen with rapt attention to the stories told by their new love. They listen not only to the words, but to the emotions of those words, because the emotion gives our stories the life they need to become alive and vibrant to our new love or to our new friend.

One of Nussbaum’s central points is that the complex cognitive structure of the emotions has a narrative form — that is, the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we feel shape our emotional and ethical reality. 

Our stories create the paradigms in which we live our lives. The stories we read, watch and listen to help us by creating a prism in which we see the many facets of our life. However, what we watch, read, and listen to is shaped by our earliest stories of who we are, and how we do things, both individually and in our family and social groups. 

This of course is the great psychological function of literature and the reason why art can function as a form of therapy. By understanding how we perceive literature and art we can understand how we view the world, in a larger sense and gives us an understanding of our own personal philosophy of life.

The power of a story

 Each and every day as we are building our businesses, we all know the key to a successful presentation is a product being sold to the end-line consumer and/or sponsoring a new person. When I worked in sales in my youth, I tried to establish customer loyalty rather than make sales. I thought the sales would come as a result of getting loyalty.. In the sales process, you are fighting many different types of animals. For most who are in direct sales, you have 45 minutes to present a product/business concept and make a person believe in you, your product, and more importantly have them make a decision that they want what you are offering.


When you are presenting the business, it is very easy for you to get very factual and completely lose the interest of your prospect. When you tell a story about the success of someone who is using the product or have a person give a live testimonial about how much they love being a distributor, you will keep the interest of new people who are listening for the first time.

For most of us, the first time in our lives that we were ever presented with the concept of a live audience was back in kindergarten when we played "show and tell". Everyone was always interested in what you were saying because you were simply telling a story. We have all heard of the famous K.I.S.S. rule: Keep It Simple Smart.  When presenting your business or product, the key play is to tell a story and keep it simple. Everyone can relate to the grandmother, who can talk about their grandchild as the most beautiful, precious child in the world. She will make you feel as if her grandchild would be such a gift to own as your own. You need to take that same simplicity and utilize it during your presentation and create the same result - ownership of your product.

As you tell stories, people will remember those stories versus all the facts in the world. "FACTS TELL, BUT STORIES SELL." Stories should want people to get involved in your business or purchase your product because all of the success stories that you told. People love to be part of a winning team. Storytelling keeps people tied into you and your presentation. When in doubt during a presentation, tell a story in order to bring people's attention back to you. Combining the key strategy of storytelling along with the correct mindset, you can achieve your wildest dreams!