I have always been a fan of stories. I would assume most of you are. We start off as babies being read bedtime stories. We never necessarily asked for them, nor do we remember them specifically if at all, but after all these years what stays with us is the comfort they gift to us. Like how the giving tree held our hands as we swung from her branches and turned the pages as we learned to read, even though we were actually memorizing the lines as our parents read them aloud. We raised our heads to the angel voice and asked, "please, just one more story." It was a privilege to learn of fond memories that our parents and grandparents learned when they were our age, and then told more as we got older. I'll never forget when my nana told me all about going to a Frank Sinatra concert. It seems so small, but it helped me respect the past. Someday, I'll be telling my kids about Blink 182 concerts, and I just hope they're still cool by then. Somehow, stories like these guided me to finding myself within pages and tones of voice.
As cliche as it seems, take this challenge and try to find yourself again, like a new perspective of the now. Lay in bed tonight, and think of a bedtime story. Think of your mom, your dad, nana, grandpa, whoever kneeling over your bed, but this time, ask yourself for a story. Today, you have made history. Sometimes we feel as though today may have been meaningless, like just another Monday. But when someday comes, your kids, peers, future students - the next generation, will be asking you: "What were you doing at my age?" "How did you get here?" "What was your dream?" "Are you happy?" It's your turn to answer.
Not many authors plan their stories out. Get to know your character and the people in your life. Walk through the world and remember to think that all of these other people are writing their own story, and you are now part of theirs as much as they are essential to your story. Give yourself a chance to soak in the rich context of your present scenery. It will never be the same again. Tomorrow, you will gain new perspective on this landscape.
It is your job to pass on the hope that our elders and loved ones gave us. We are storytellers. We hold such immense power in our hands to shape the future without even noticing it. This is crucial to understand. Do not take a moment for granted. You are the author of your own story. How will you tell your story? Do you like what you're writing? If you were being told your story, would you be rooting for yourself? You can change it. You can start over. You just have to continue to keep writing.
What are you thinking right now? Write it down. Save it. Share it. Pass it on. Do something. Life is too short to let moments pass where you are not open to its process and documenting your journey. Your story is meaningful. Your story is powerful. It will inspire somebody. It can change the world. You just have to remember to tell it.
