Community Creativity

January 5, 2025 Leave a Comment

Why Your Story Matters

Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your own story? Each of us carries a lifetime of experiences, lessons, and memories that are as unique as our fingerprints. Yet, too often, these stories remain untold, locked away in the corners of our minds or whispered only to a select few.

But what if your story could inspire someone else? What if the challenges you’ve overcome or the dreams you’ve chased could offer hope, guidance, or even just a moment of connection to someone walking a similar path?

Your life story matters, not just to you, but to those around you—family, friends, colleagues, and even future generations. When you capture your story, you’re creating a legacy. You’re giving others a chance to see the world through your eyes, to learn from your journey, and to appreciate the richness of the human experience.

Getting Started

If the idea of writing your life story feels overwhelming, start small. Begin with a single memory that’s meaningful to you. Maybe it’s a childhood adventure, a pivotal career moment, or a conversation that changed your perspective. Write as if you’re talking to a friend. Don’t worry about grammar or structure just let the words flow.

And remember, your story doesn’t have to be dramatic or extraordinary to be valuable. Sometimes, the most relatable and impactful stories come from everyday moments, the quiet resilience, the simple joys, the lessons learned in unexpected ways.

Why Now?

There’s no perfect time to start capturing your story, but there’s also no time like the present. Life is fleeting, and memories fade. By taking the time to write down your experiences now, you’re ensuring that they won’t be lost.

So, grab a notebook, or open a blank document. Start with one sentence, one paragraph, one memory. Your story deserves to be told—and there’s someone out there who’s waiting to hear it. If you need a hand, reach out. I’d be happy to help. Write Your Story community workshops, and one-on-one professional personal support tailored to your needs is available.

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

December 30, 2024 Leave a Comment

Every Life has a Story

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.

October 19, 2024 Leave a Comment

Capture Your Life Story and Enhance Your Wellbeing

Working with individuals, groups and communities I encourage men and women to broaden their perspective on ageing, continually expand their horizons, take advantage of the opportunities around them, and channel their energy into activities that matter. Every day I get to meet and interview awesome people of all ages and stages, from wildly different backgrounds that have a wealth of experiences and perspectives on life. My fascination with people and their stories is one of the reasons why I write, and why I encourage and support others to capture their memories and family histories for themselves, their whanau, friends, and for future generations.

Documenting your life story needn’t be a solitary endeavour; it can be an opportunity to strengthen your social connections. In my popular series of Write Your Story Community Workshops, participants meet weekly in a supportive fun environment. As part of the learning experience, they are guided through every step of the writing journey, from concept to completion, and everyone is encouraged to share their stories. By sharing your experiences, you create bridges with others who may have similar stories to tell. In this way a ‘Write Your Story’ project becomes a catalyst for community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing social wellbeing. I appreciate that some don’t want to attend workshops but still require support to get started and maintain momentum with their project in the comfort of their own home. In these circumstances I provide professional one-on-one support and encouragement tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs.

We all have a unique life story filled with lessons, triumphs, challenges, and growth. Capturing that story, through whatever means, goes beyond simply recalling and documenting your memories. The process can also foster a deeper connection to our sense of well-being. Reflecting on your personal journey has the power to improve your mental, emotional, social, and even physical health. I believe that the process of writing your life story taps into every dimension of well-being. We’ll explore four of these dimensions here.

Mental Well-being: Gaining Clarity and Insight

Writing about your life helps provide a sense of purpose and brings clarity to your thoughts and experiences. As you reflect on your past, you may begin to see patterns in your decisions, relationships, and habits. This type of reflection promotes self-awareness and encourages problem-solving, which often gives you a clearer understanding of who you are. For many, writing becomes a way to process difficult moments, making sense of complex emotions and life events. By organizing your memories and thoughts, you may find a greater sense of peace and mental clarity.

Emotional Well-being: Healing Through Expression

Putting your feelings into words can be incredibly therapeutic. Revisiting both joyful and painful experiences allows you to process unresolved emotions and even heal old wounds. Writing about these moments provides emotional release, helping you to work through feelings that may have been repressed or unspoken. This emotional catharsis can reduce anxiety and lead to emotional growth, resulting in greater resilience and balance.

Social Well-being: Strengthening Connections – this is a biggie

The process of documenting your life story can be a powerful tool for building deeper connections with others. Sharing your journey—whether in conversations with loved ones or with others within the Write Your Story community helps build and develop relationships and foster empathy and understanding. By opening up and sharing your experiences, you may inspire others to reflect on their own lives and experiences, creating a strong sense of community. Sharing your story can also strengthen family bonds, allowing future generations to understand their heritage and appreciate the experiences that shaped you.

Physical Well-being: Reducing Stress Through Creativity

Surprisingly, the process of writing your life story can even benefit your physical health. Engaging in creative activities like writing has been shown to lower stress levels and reduce cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. This mindful act of reflection helps you slow down and relax, promoting better sleep, reducing tension, and improving overall well-being. In short, writing can serve as a form of meditation, bringing calmness to both the mind and body.

In Summary

Capturing your life story is more than just preserving memories—it’s a journey into deeper self-awareness that touches every part of your well-being. Through reflection, healing, connection, and creative expression, writing your story can enhance your mental, emotional, social, and physical health. If you start documenting your journey today, and you’ll not only create a meaningful legacy but also nurture your holistic well-being.

Capturing your life story is a creative and rewarding project and you get to choose what’s included, and what will remain a mystery. The act of writing is like food for the soul. Your experiences, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned deserve to be celebrated, preserved, and shared. After all, these experiences and the people you met along the way helped shape you into the person you are today.

Life is short. Don’t let your stories go untold. Start today. If you need a hand reach out. With professional personalized support you’ll be amazed how quickly your story will take shape.

March 1, 2024 Leave a Comment

Celebrating Community and Creativity: A Recap of Our Book Launch Event

We all get the collywobbles when we put our creative work out there into the wider world. In the lead up to a book launch event, it’s common for authors to question one’s own ability. When the event actually takes place, it’s evident that our stories really do matter – they matter to us, and they matter to our whanau and friends. For many, the compilation of stories in Memories of the Royal Family A Kiwi Collection is even more special as it contributes to our community’s social heritage and illustrates the diversity within our population.

I was thrilled with the turn-out at the community book launch event as family members, friends, neighbours, councillors and staff from the Kāpiti Coast District Council, fellow writers, and book enthusiasts gathered to meet the contributors, connect with one another, and generally join in the fun over morning tea. The buzz in the room was a testament to the power of storytelling, and the strength of our community. It was clear that this collection of stories holds a special place in the hearts of many and generated lively discussion at the tables. It was inspiring to see the outpouring of support from the community, especially when our Mayor Janet Holborow led the impromptu rendition of ‘God Save the King’. It was a reminder than when we come together as a community we can achieve incredible things.

The journey from concept to publication of this book has been a labour of love. Seeing this collection of stories in the hands of the contributors, and other readers was a dream come true. It is a reminder that every story matters, and that our voices have the power to inspire, educate and unite us. A couple of people remarked that this publication, which includes intimate family photos and original newspaper cuttings lovingly preserved in scrapbooks by our community, was collector’s item!

Reflecting on the event I am filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in making it a success and loved the way in which people got into the spirit of the celebration and dressed up for the occasion. So many people have been involved in addition to the contributors who shared their personal stories. Kāpiti Coast District Council, who administer the local Creative Communities Fund, awarded the grant that contributed to the cost of the design and print of the book for the people that feature in it. Numerous individuals shared their Royal Family memorabilia on the display table at the event for others to enjoy. Family and friends helped me to organise, cater and bring the celebratory event to life, and of course there were people who remained behind afterwards and helped to clean up. Whether it was spreading the word, lending a helping hand, or simply showing up with enthusiasm, the community support made all the difference 😊

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this Kiwi collection of stories takes us. Whether it’s sparking meaningful conversations, inspiring others to share their own stories, or fostering community connection and engagement, we know the impact will be far-reaching. Huge thanks go to everyone who have been part of this incredible journey. Ngā mihi nui.

In the coming weeks and months, we’re committed to creating opportunities for our community to engage with the book and with each other in meaningful ways. This will include author talks for libraries, book clubs, service clubs, and community events in various locations in New Zealand. We’ll also continue to offer the popular series of Write Your Story community workshops for men and women who are inspired to capture their own memories for their families and friends.

Copies of Memories of the Royal Family A Kiwi Collection are available from your favourite bookstores in paperback, kindle and e.book formats. Copies can also be purchased directly from the author and at in person events. For more information email Kiaora@angelarobertson.nz