‘What I took away from the day was the vital reminder that everybody has a narrative to inform,’ writes columnist
I used to be having a little bit of author’s block this week.
To get out of my inspiration funk, I made a decision to hit up the library over the weekend to take a look at their Group Story Day.
This was one other occasion geared towards older adults aged 55-plus, similar to the collage workshop I coated a number of months in the past. I do know I’m solely 38, however clearly 38 is the brand new 55-plus! Us millennials recognize a laid-back vibe too, OK?
I used to be drawn to the actions occurring, which included a digitization drop-in, the place you can deliver your previous photographs and memorabilia to scan onto a USB drive, an intro to storytelling with particular friends Laurie Malabar and podcast professional Amanda Cupido, each of whom introduced the inspiration I used to be searching for.
What I took away from the day was the vital reminder that everybody has a narrative to inform. Everybody!
Folks usually downplay their lives, considering they don’t seem to be fascinating sufficient or their tales aren’t value telling. However belief me, you’re fascinating, and your tales are value sharing.
Laurie introduced that message to life by sharing participating tales about her grandfather, the unique proprietor of Toronto’s iconic costume retailer, Malabar. She is knowledgeable storyteller, so the inflections of her voice and use of descriptive phrases made it much more fascinating.
Then, she had us pair up and share private tales. I shared about my first job as a cashier at a grocery retailer after I was 16. Laurie gave me the immediate, noting that loads of “first” tales are normally start line for storytelling. I discovered about one other participant’s first time baking a pie. It was easy and interesting train that gave us an opportunity to attach with different neighborhood members and observe our oral presentation abilities.
Storytelling helps us study, develop, and join. It’s how we move on knowledge, laughter, heartbreak and classes discovered. Passing on information and expertise from technology to technology is particular, sacred and highly effective.
Amanda’s session was equally inspiring. This was my second time assembly her. She hosted an intro into podcasting workshop on the library a number of months in the past, which was very informative and helpful, not just for the way to host a podcast, however for storytelling and interview abilities on the whole.
She launched us to her undertaking, the “Keep in mind This Podcast,” a free, user-friendly platform that helps individuals (particularly seniors) file their life tales by means of guided audio prompts. No fancy software program wanted. You simply reply private questions like “The place do you reside?” and “What’s your proudest second?” and the location immediately weaves your recorded solutions right into a podcast you possibly can obtain, save and share. You’ll be able to test it out right here: Home | Remember This.
It is superior! I’m already planning to sit down down with a few of my family over Easter weekend to file their tales. I’ve instructed myself for years that I needed to doc our household historical past, and this seems like a significant, enjoyable and memorable strategy to lastly do it by means of their voices, in their very own phrases.
I left Group Story Day with a surge of inspiration for storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for the reminiscences that make us who we’re.
Natasha Philpott is a Barbie-loving, cat-obsessed author who lives in Bradford together with her husband and two boys. Observe her on Instagram right here: @tashaphilly.
