Before it's too late!

David Weitzman in My Backyard History Book reminds us that our history is not only lost to memory, but lost in translation, lost in crossing oceans; lost in moving from town to town or house to house, lost in fire, lost to time, lost when family members go their separate ways. 
 
Each sunrise brings opportunities to stop, reflect and more importantly capture the stories that surround us, those daily pages and yearly chapters that evolve into life histories.  The moments in our own lives and the passing of those near to us challenge us to ask the question – what do we hope to leave for future generations?  What is our life legacy?   
 
The answer lies in our stories. 
 
Welcome to STORYLINES.  My name is Mary Patricia Voell and my goal is to share with you the wealth of knowledge I’ve absorbed over the years about the present and future value – the healing power of telling our unique stories.  My hope is to communicate each week:  

• some of my own stories, which may trigger your own memories;
  
• some of the reasons why many find the reflective journey so commanding as we age;
  
• tools and techniques to use for yourself or your loved ones storied quest;
• probing questions to help to solicit fuller answers;
• additional reading and resources;
• and finally, manageable action steps to aid in your story-by-story journey.

 
Human beings are a story; they are living a story and anyone open to this story is living a part of themselves, from the past, through the present and into the future.  The references and analogies, experiences and stories you will see in Storylines are the ingredients which made up my life - many pages of many chapters.  
 
A common expression pronounced by attendees in my Legacies workshops and presentations, “I wish I would have.”  I wish I would have captured mom’s recipes, dad’s sports stories, or Aunt Martha’s musical career.  It’s time to stop wishing and start doing. 
 
Whether your storyteller is able to share their story, or you are now the keeper of the stories, like a child capturing a firefly in a jar, it’s time, to set it free. 
 
 Let’s Get Started … before it’s too late!

mary

Mary Patricia Voell