There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou
Storytelling has been around for thousands of years. Long before the written word was common, oral historians passed stories down from generation to generation. These stories helped shape the listeners, taught them life lessons, and solidified long-lasting legacies.
Storytelling can be powerful and enduring. Stories impact us and unite us. The art of storytelling draws us in and sometimes, never lets us go.
In 2016, Mahani Zubedy attended a story-telling event and realized that, more than anything else, she wanted to share stories with women “of a certain age” – 50 years or older to be exact.
“Stories told by women who lived through the same last fifty years as you have the power to connect,” says Mahani. “They connect us to our inner selves and they connect us to each other. This connection is healing and loving, nurturing and empowering. Stories bring us together. We become more resilient.”
Later that year, she and a group of women friends – all of whom were 50 years old or older – met and told each other their stories. And that’s how the Austin Texas-based “StorySistas” began. The group has since grown and now has a chapter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a “Piney Woods” chapter coming soon to Henderson, Texas.
The Austin chapter meets on the first Saturday of every other month when up to ten women have the chance to share their stories with the larger group throughout the two-hour gathering. I had the privilege of telling a story at the StorySista’s February meeting. It was a true story about one of the spirits that lived in our 140-year old house in Wisconsin. I called the tale:
“How I Met Casper the Somewhat Friendly Ghost”
Find out more about StorySistas and come listen to some amazing stories, or better yet, tell one of your own!
Everyone has a story, including you! The good news is, there are now more ways than ever to share all of your wise, witty, important, informative, entertaining and everyday tales. 2ND Act Lives’ Legacy Narrative services offers the following:
- Memoir writing –See your life story written down, reflect upon the lessons you’ve learned and leave a lasting legacy that can be read over and over again. We do the hard work for you including writing, editing, and publishing. All you need to do is tell your story in a way that only you can.
- Record an oral account such as a family history, favorite family stories, personal history or collection of personal stories. These audio recordings can be preserved for years to come.
- Videotape a family history or story–This format enables you to see the narrator and actually hear them tell their stories. These videotaped stories can be watched by future generations.
- Family history photo book – Capture your family’s history through photos and the stories they tell.
Don’t bear the agony of keeping that story inside you! Contact 2ND Act Lives Legacy Narratives and let the telling begin!
Marcia Janssen
Personal Historian – Legacy Division
2NDACTLIVES, LLC
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