What's Your Story?

 It occurred to me this morning that everybody is an author.  

What we did yesterday is history, and history, in its most simplistic format, is one long, continuous story.

 The characters come and go.  Depending on the situation, some of us are flat characters, but most often, we are rich, round characters. Unfortunately, some are static, and spend (waste?) a whole lifetime stubbornly refusing to grow or heal. Most, however, are dynamic - pushing through, or passing through, joyful and tragic circumstances - and using them to move to the next iteration of themselves.

Similarly, the plot of this meandering story continues, subject to numerous plot twists and conflicts.  Every time one problem, or complication, is resolved, a new one emerges. 

In short, history. . .herstory. . .ourstory. . .yourstory. . .mystory has been unfolding long before I was born and will presumably continue long after I am gone. 

But for now - for this time and in this space, you and I are not only characters in this story; we are also contributing authors to this story. 

And so, here is the gravitas associated with this revelation: Even though I, the character, in the story will only have meaning and relevance for, at most, 100 years (give or take), I, the author, will have immeasurable significance. 

To explain, realistically, my name and the stories of and about me will only recognizable or retained for at most, 100 years.  Any generations beyond my grandchildren will only know me as a face, possibly a name, and whatever stories or details that my grandchildren remember and relay.  With regard to my students and colleagues, my name and face will exist until I die, and as to my job, I will exist only until I hand over my key fob and laptop.  

It all sounds depressing. . .if our story is merely our physical existence.

The story, however, is really the sum total of our choices on a daily basis:

- How we react when things don't go our way,

- The habits or traditions we choose and hold firm to,

- What we say and do when someone betrays or hurts us deeply,

- The way we show love to both lovable and unlovable people,

- Our generosity or stinginess when it comes to time, money, and love

- The little things we do or say when we think no one is watching,

- The way in which we treat people - all people - related to us, like us, near us, or not

This is the REAL story we write with our lives.  This is where we become "immortal." This is how we shape and redefine the plot moving forward.  This is how we influence the story that is to come for generations we will never meet, and who will never know us.  This is how we leave a mark on history. . .herstory. . . yourstory. . .and theirstory. The denouement has already been decided, so you don't have to worry about the ending. It's the plot diagram and development in getting there that is the consideration. 

Given all that, as you add your plotline today, tomorrow, next week, next year, what story is important to tell? What plot points are you passionate about? What story do you want generations ahead of you to know and live? 

As an author in both this communal, endless narrative we call history, and your own personal narrative, what kind of tale are you hoping will be told? And most importantly, what are you doing today, right now, and every day to bring that storyline (literally) to life?