I’m watching the Olympics as I write this, speed skating to be exact. What I love most about the games is not the competition, or even watching athletes push themselves to accomplish amazing feats of strength, dexterity and endurance. What I love are the stories in all their varieties, the quests for personal triumph, the journeys of self-mastery, stories of redemption, the tragedies, the rebirths, and defeating the monster. Heroes emerge, villains are revealed, and slow motion cameras help us to experience each heart pounding second.
The athletes remind us of our own races, our own struggles and the tragedies and triumphs that are playing out around us everyday. I was sitting in my car, on my way to an appointment, when I heard a story on the radio that captured my imagination and reminded me that the drama in Sochi can be seen in the day-to-day struggles all around us. Jay Mcfarland, on KSL’s The Browsers, told his story about the Showdown at the Supermarket. He and the cashier were racing to see who could unload a cart or scan the items faster. As I was listening to this seemingly ordinary moment I was drawn in by the slow motion quality of the storytelling. I was pulled into the action and on the edge of my seat waiting to see who would be the victor, which flag would wave. Did you hear it? If not, you can catch it here: Showdown at the Supermarket.
There are stories all around us, waiting to be told. Whether you are an educator, an historian, an executive, a writer, or you just want to be invited to more parties, there is something for you at this year’s Storytelling Conference. Get coaching from mentor storytellers and learn how to find, hone and tell your own stories of triumph and tragedy.
For more information on the conference and to buy tickets go to Timpanogos Storytelling Conference or call 801-228-1350.