Embracing Small Stories
Have you ever considered the impact of sharing your life’s moments in small, digestible pieces? Often, we think our stories need to be grand, sweeping epics to be worth telling. That old phrase “Go big or go home!” has no bearing here. It’s in the everyday, ordinariness where the real magic lies. This summer, I experienced firsthand the joy and connection that comes from sharing these life snippets.
A Celebration of Words and Wilderness
I had the honor of reading my poetry at a Gila Centennial Celebration in Kingston, NM. This experience, coupled with the thrill that same week of seeing my essay and photographs grace the cover of Woods Reader’s Spring 2024 edition, reinforced a valuable lesson: stories, regardless of their length, hold immense power. My short work centered around the majestic Gila wilderness and found a home among others who cherish the natural world as deeply as I do.
The Joy of Bite-Sized Sharing
We don’t need to limit ourselves to traditional long-form narratives. The beauty of storytelling lies in its versatility. Consider the richness that can be found in:
- Recounting that unforgettable family dinner
- Reflecting on the moment you met your best friend
- Capturing your pet’s endearing quirks
- Reliving a thrilling adventure
- The simple pleasure of a picnic with friends or family
These brief moments are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. They’re deeply satisfying to recount, share, and remember.
Start Small, Dream Big
Why wait to share your story? Begin with those small, yet profoundly meaningful experiences. You’ll find that these bite-sized pieces not only bring joy to you and your listeners but can also lay the foundation for a larger narrative—a full-length memoir or a comprehensive family history.
Every Story Matters
In a world that often rushes us to move from one moment to the next, take the time to celebrate your stories and savor one bite at a time. Share the stories that make you who you are. Remember, it’s not the length of the story that counts but the impact it leaves on the heart.
What small story will you create today?
(Photo courtesy Sebastian Coman Photography via Unsplash)