This time of year is all about story. Just putting ornaments on the tree can bring back memories. We have one Christmas ornament of the Cowardly Lion which goes all the way back to my childhood in Western North Carolina. When I put that ornament on the tree I'm reminded of my dog Joey, who would always find a way to pull that ornament off the tree and play with it. One time he pulled on the tree and it came crashing down. 

In the same way that an ornament can remind us of a story, the end of the year and the shift to the New Year can in itself spark memories of the year and holidays past. This year I remember a road trip to New England and a family graduation. Looking forward, the New Year can be a time to think about dreams and goals and stories that we want to carry forth. It's a time to ask "how do I want to show up?" in communication, community and relationships. 

One of the holiday gifts I received this year was the book How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth by Meg Bowles et al. The timing was perfect, since in semi-retirement I've been thinking about how story fits into my leadership development work. Among other things, a story is a way to be vulnerable with other people, to show personal transfomrmation in a concise way. If we're looking to the past, story can help us to reconnect with important feelings. If we're looking toward the future, story can help us to build momentum and make a point with listeners. 

Whatever your purpose in telling stories, the turning of the year is a good time to take responsibility for curating them. Reflecting on your stories of the season can help you to get in touch with your own values and priorities. It can show others that you remember and care about them, and it can give perspective during difficult times. Moving forward into 2025 with a strong foundation in story can enrich our relationships in the coming year. To get your storytelling mojo moving, all it will take is a firm intention and a little bit of what the Cowardly Lion is searching for in the Wizard of Oz: "courage."