Join us for Motherhood, May 4 from Storytellers Project
Watch our next show tonight (in one-hour!) with your mom or a mother-figure in your heart, and use these tips below if you're inspired to tell your own story!
Hi Storytellers friends –
This month, in anticipation of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing some insights on telling stories about the mothers, and mother-figures, in our lives.
Even if you don’t love talking about yourself, you can use these tips, and relate to these ideas, to make your life richer by deepening your connections with others. I promise.
Because storytelling – as we practice it – isn’t just talking about yourself. Instead, it is sharing your values by organizing information into a narrative that describes how you changed your behavior, thinking or beliefs.
When we tell stories about our mothers, or mother-figures, we pass along the values they instilled in us – whether it’s a love for nature (my Mom!), or a dedication to truthfulness and accuracy (my work-mom), or for serving our community (my mentor). (I am lucky to have many matriarchs in my life, and I hope you are, too.)
And when we tell these stories, we model for our listeners how to participate in maternal love – how to give it, how to receive it, how to understand how it serves our whole communities when it is valued. So now, let's get to the good stuff!
Think of a memory related to your Mom or a mother-figure in your life. Consider choosing something that would be a pleasure to think about and talk about. It could be about a small moment or a dramatic one. It could be about a milestone, a mistake, or a challenge.
Then, start jotting down details that answer the following questions, in this order:
Opening - Start the story in a place and time.
- Where were you? How old were you? When was this? Who was with you?
Scene 1 - Help us understand how the story starts.
- What was going on? What is the challenge, opportunity or issue? What is the story going to be about?
Scene 2 - Help us understand what happened.
- How did the situation unfold? Did you need help? What happened first, second, third?
Climax - Help us understand how things got better. And how you felt about it.
- What someone do? What did you do? How did things change for the better? Did you realize something?
Meaning - Help us know why this story matters to you.
- How did you feel about this moment then? Or now, years later?
And that’s it!! You’re ready to share your values and your heart by telling a story about your mother, or a mother-figure!
Now – two things to close with.
Let me know if you tell this story and how it felt? Send me an email at megan.finnerty@gannett.com and share with me what you experienced in sharing a story.
Consider forwarding this note to someone YOU want to hear a story like this from. Maybe you can inspire someone you love to tell a story like this.
Talk soon,
Megan Finnerty, founder and director, Storytellers Project and Storytellers Brand Studio
This May, give mothers the honor they deserve!
At Fairytale Brownies, we recognize Nancy Kravetz, the mom of our co-founder, David. When Mrs. Kravetz baked brownies for her family years ago, little did she know that her youngest son would one day take her beloved recipe and share its deliciousness with the world. To this day, Fairytale uses Mom’s recipe, Belgian dark chocolate, and premium ingredients to create a flakey top, fudgy bottom brownie. They’re simply enchanting! Enter for a chance to win a brownie gift and receive a discount on your next purchase.