One of the things I love the most about my family is the way in which we share stories. Jennifer, Rory, Sheri, my mother and I can sit around for hours telling the same old stories over again and again.
Story telling is how we honor the legacies of those who have gone before us.
Story telling is how we learn more about our heritage. Story telling is how we discover who we are.
I often hear people say that they are afraid to talk to much about their past or their family's history because they are afraid it will color the present or the future too much. There is a fear that somehow sharing these stories will inflict or infect our children and give them all of the wrong ideas. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
These stories can help inform us about our past.
These stories can help us figure out our own identity.
These stories can serve as cautionary tales of paths to avoid along the way.
These stories can serve as encouragement about how to overcome adversity.
I believe that stories are one of the best ways to create a new narrative that is rich and full of hope. They are an invaluable piece of life, and we must have the courage to share our stories with one another.
So, tonight, this weekend, sometime in the near future, when your family is gathered together, take the opportunity to say...
"Have I ever told you about this one time when..."
Even if you have told the story before, tell it again. In so doing, you are helping to create a new narrative.Happy storytelling!
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