Recognize the importance of your life stories!

“Once upon a time…” What thoughts come to your mind when you read those four simple words? Perhaps you think back on times when you were young, and someone read stories to you. Or perhaps you think of when you read stories to your kids or grandkids when they were young. And maybe you are reading stories to someone now.

There’s something about the words, “Once upon a time…” that can transport you from the worries and stresses that you may be experiencing today and start you on a journey limited only by your own imagination. It’s almost like we are conditioned by those words to get prepared to go on an adventure – an adventure that can be filled with surprises, laughter, sadness, danger and maybe even a “happily ever after” ending.

We were reminded of the power of stories recently when we attended a small neighborhood gathering. A neighbor thought it would be fun for those in our area to meet outside every other week, just to talk and get to know one another better. Great idea! We were blessed to hear fascinating stories from some of the neighbors who were there. In future columns, we hope they’ll let us share their stories with you.

In learning more about the importance of stories, we watched a TEDx presentation by Andrew Stanton, a master storyteller. He told how TV personality Mr. Rogers, always carried a message that said, “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you’ve heard their story.” Our country is experiencing problems with people getting along. We wish that the discord between people could be calmed as they learn about each other through peacefully sharing their stories. Using stories to get to know each other as people, rather than as competing ideologies, may help compassion and caring to develop.

Storytellers often relate how stories help define us. If you’re willing to share authentically, stories help people to know, like and trust you. It also encourages the other person to be open, share and bridges of understanding are built.

We thought about how wonderful it is to have lifelong friends where you can look back on the stories of the past while you are still developing the future. We have a dear friend, John Raichert, who had a successful career in real estate. He also had a thriving rock and roll music career as singer and guitarist with the JR Spencer Band. Maybe you also know John, as he has lots of friends. You’re right if you think his life has created lots of stories.

A ‘once upon a time story’ from many years ago, involved sitting in a booth with John in a hamburger restaurant. While waiting for our order, we leaned in as John proceeded to draw something out on a napkin. We asked, ‘What are you up to now, John?’ John then revealed that he and a friend, Brian Gensmer, had a vision to build a golf course. He said he wasn’t sure how it would all get done, but that they wouldn’t give up. They invited Jack Nicklaus to help design the course. As the plan developed, John drove us around the vacant land, pointing out where the golf course and houses would be built.

Stories can take us back to the past and can also help us vision the future. John had a vision, then took action to make the vision come true. That was the beginning of the beautiful Bearpath Golf & Country Club, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year.

When asked about life now that he has retired, John quoted lyrics from the song, The Older I Get, sung by Alan Jackson. The song goes, “If they found a fountain of youth, I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth. Funny how it feels, I’m just getting to my best years yet, the older I get.” John has a great attitude!

What about you? What stories do you have from your life? Your life stories are important and valuable, whatever you do in life. A Native American Proverb says, “Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” Your life has purpose and meaning. We encourage you to share your ‘once upon a time’ stories from the past, your stories of visions for the future – and remember the valuable stories you create now as you live each day.

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2022 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.