Can we talk?

Life Story

         I read somewhere that everybody thinks they've got a book in them. Well, everyone does have a story. Some stories are just more exciting or adventurous than others. And some are told better.

         My father can keep people spellbound with his slow telling of tales from the 1930's and 40's. They're usually funny as well as historic. And you get a good idea of who he is and why he does certain things. Others have traveled a lot, or have been in a lot of military engagements, or have known famous people. Still others have suffered, or lost fortunes, or have been discouraged. They have unique stories.

         Of course, writers want to record their own stories and others. But we all have the possibility of "writing" our own story by choosing how we live. When we know that we are living a "story", we can choose the theme, the messages, the way we want to be remembered. We have to decide what is important to us and what guides us.

         For instance, if I want my story to be about financial success, I have to work hard to develop multiple streams of income, take the right amount of risk, save, and invest. If I want to be a rock star, I have to develop musical talent, stage presence, make the right connections. If I want to be a politician, even a low level one, I need to know something about history, law, government, and political science. Most of us aim a little lower.

         Most of us don't give it much thought, we just try to survive in our own worlds. But if we want to be remembered as good parents, then we should study up on it, not just take our chances. If we want our stories to be friendly, then we need to control our tempers and take relationships more seriously.

         All I'm saying is the average person needs to give a little more thought to what he or she wants his story to be, no matter who writes it, then actually work towards that goal in every day affairs. You might say we should live conscientiously, not haphazardly.