IT'S THE STORY, STUPID

Welcome to Sunday Dinner Stories!

I'm so glad you are here.

The following article is an updated version of my very first article for my eNewsletter/blog. I originally published it in 2013 when I rescinded—I'm not a quitter—my corporate Information Technology (IT) career.

This month, I re-launched my website, and this season of my life feels like a new start. I have so many fun ideas for new products and services coming your way, and I can't wait to get to know you better as we explore our passion for connecting all generations of our families through story.

As I re-read this article, I realized that after six years of working with grateful, introspective clients, I have more practical evidence of how preserving and sharing your story can improve your well-being and the well-being of your family.

I'm so convinced that I want to scream it from the rooftops! Alas, I'm not one to call that type of attention to myself, so instead, I'll update and share this content with you again.

Here's to new beginnings, deeper friendships, and more stories!

Let's Get This Passion Party Started

It feels like it has been a long time in the making, but I'm ready to start sharing my passion about personal history with you. Some of you have heard my passion in face-to-face conversations or via the content of my website. Now, it's time to start sharing on a regular basis.

I hope the title of this post, It's the Story, Stupid does not offend you. (I generally don't defend or promote censorship, but I've worked hard to eliminate the word stupid from my children's vocabulary. Before they could even speak real words, I could just hear them negatively labeling each other. I prefer positive, encouraging dialogue.)

In this case, I'm referencing a campaign slogan that you might remember. The point is not to put myself (or you) down, but to startle myself out of procrastination by using language I don't usually approve of.

For me, It's the Story, Stupid is the one-liner that runs through my head when I ruminate on perfection and forget that the story is what is important.

When I pass away, my children are not going to remember whether I put the comma in the right place or stuttered when I recorded an audio memoir.

They are going to remember the stories about me, their dad, our family, and their ancestors.

They will be grateful that I took the time to record the stories for them.

Part of Your Soul

Many of your stories might seem ordinary on the surface, but do you realize how invaluable they are to your children and grandchildren? When you share and save those stories, you are sharing parts of your soul with your family. You are giving them an irreplaceable gift.

Your children, even if they are your adult children, are finally getting to know you as a person, not just as a parent. They are getting to know who you are, what you stand for, and why you think you are here on Earth.

And guess what? As you tell your stories, you learn more about who you are and why you are here too.

They will be grateful that I took
the time to record the stories.
- Michelle Beckman

Strengthening Bonds

I believe that as we learn more about each other, we can strengthen bonds between our ancestors, our descendants, and ourselves.

We can encourage history to repeat itself when we think it should, and we can discourage history from repeating itself when we think it should not.

And, if we are fortunate, we can heal existing emotional wounds or prevent future heartache from inadvertently occurring.

Proactively Defeat Procrastination

So, if you've been procrastinating until just the right moment or if you've never thought about recording your life story—your Legacy of Love—I invite you to take this challenge with me.

Just write or record one story today.

Use a pencil and paper, a computer and word processor, the recorder within your computer or phone, or contact me so I can help you capture your stories.

It doesn't matter how you record the story or how long the story is. What matters is that you record the story.

And, if you find yourself obsessing about the grade you'll get when you are done, just tell yourself, "It's the story, Stupid." and finish telling it.

Feel free to send me a copy of your story. I'd love to read it.

Share your stories often.
Save your life story forever.
You won't regret it.
- Michelle Beckman

Disclaimer

This publication is based upon personal experience, research, and education. Although the author has made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this article, the author and Sunday Dinner Stories assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or inaccurate information. For privacy reasons, some names may have been changed or omitted. The content is not intended to replace common sense, legal, medical, or other professional advice; it is meant to encourage, inspire, educate, and inform the reader. That means you should consult with your attorney, doctors, and other professionals if you have any concern about implementing our advice. But we hope you'll consider us your memoir professionals and will consult us for all your storytelling needs!