3 Reasons Why Your Stories Need to Be Told: A Fun and Fulfilling Writing Activity
"Everyone has a story to tell. All you have to do is write it."
Frank McCourt, Pulitzer Prize winner for Angela's Ashes
"What's the worst trouble you got into when you were growing up?" "Tell me something you did that your parents never knew about." "What was it like when you saw me for the first time when I was born?"
Last year my brother Bill emailed me a 14-page document written by his best friend Bob Wong. It was titled "My Dad. His Stories. His Words." Each page started with one of the above questions. His answers were inspiring, enlightening, amusing, surprising, and sometimes shocking. I was so moved that I read it from beginning to end without stopping.
After I finished it, I asked my brother, "Who did he write this for?"
My brother said, "He wrote it for his kids."
"You mean his kids really asked him these questions?"
"No. His kids are too busy with their lives. They're not interested now but Bob knows that his kids will want to know about him some time. And, when they do, he wants them to hear it directly from him - his stories, in his words."
Have you ever thought about writing down your own stories? If you're like most of us, you'll probably say to yourself, "I don't have time." "My life's not been that interesting." Or "I don't know what stories to tell."
Let's back up for a moment. So, why is it important to tell your stories? Here are three important reasons why:
1. Because your family and friends want to know.
Writing your stories builds a strong bridge to your family and friends in sometimes unexpected ways. "You never told me that!" "I wish I knew that before." "We went through the same thing!" It also gives them a chance to learn from your experiences.
2. Because you need to know.
Writing your own stories uncovers your true authentic self. It builds self-esteem by reminding yourself how you successfully navigated your way through life's many challenges. It also stimulates your imagination because it requires you to find creative ways to tell your stories. And, more importantly, writing your own stories boosts your emotional well-being and gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
3. Because if you don't, you'll wish you did.
Most of us would like to know more about our parents and grandparents. We regret that we didn't ask them more questions about their lives before we were born.
The reality is that we all have a lifetime of unique stories that can rival any almost any book, movie or TV show that's ever been written. You can start right now. All you have to do is "mine" your life and you'll uncover a treasure trove of nuggets.
Here are a few prompts that will get you started:
Childhood
Something I was told that proved true or false.
A piece of furniture that has history.
Coming of Age
A big test.
Most compulsive thing I ever did.
Role Models
When someone changed my life.
When someone changed my life, and they didn't know it.
Work and Careers
Right place, right time.
When I pushed too hard.
Family and Friends
Something I learned from my son/daughter.
A favorite thing I with one of my friends or family members.
Recreation
The coolest thing I've seen.
A scary moment.
Writing your own stories is a fun and fulfilling writing activity that you can do alone, with a writing partner, or with a group. So, the next time you even think about your stories, do what the great American novelist Louis L'Amour says “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
