Every life has a story. Yes, even yours. Your experiences, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned deserve to be celebrated, preserved, and shared. It’s not difficult to do as nobody knows your life story better than you do. For thousands of years, storytelling has been a fundamental way for individuals to connect with others. It’s an inherent, purposeful process. You don’t need any fancy or expensive tools; you can start your project at any age and stage and work at your own pace. All you need to get your project off the ground is a dollop of inspiration, a notebook and a pen.
I’m fascinated with people and their stories, which is why I write. It’s also why I encourage and support others to capture their life stories for themselves, their whanau and friends, and for future generations. In my experience, those that take the time to document their story, do so because they want to leave a sense of who they are for the important people in their lives, and for those who come after. Sharing your experiences, expressed within the context of the time and the cultural and social norms of the day provides insight into a world that is so different to what our children and grandchildren experience today. Reflecting on your experience you may also be in a position to offer words of wisdom and hope to others who may be faced with a similar situation or set of circumstances. Regardless of the nature and scope of your writing project, your story will be memorialized in your own words. How cool is that.
Life is short. Don’t let your life stories go untold. Start today. If you need a hand, reach out. I’d be happy to help. Community Write Your Story workshops and one-on-one personalized professional support tailored to your needs is available. Or tune in to the Write Your Story programme, 11.30am each Sunday on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM when I share tips and examples from my own experience and the experiences of others within our Write Your Story community, who are on a similar journey.
Angela Robertson is a writer, inspirational speaker, and workshop facilitator. Her non-fiction books are available in paperback, Kindle, and eBook formats from online bookstores. Amazon.com: Angela Robertson: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle