“Advice from a 96 year old…”

 

Shared by Breanne Smedley

Over the holidays this year, while celebrating Christmas with the Smedley side, I had a chance to chat a little bit with Brett’s grandma, Eldora.

Elodra turned 96 years old this December.

She’s sharp, thoughtful (we always get handwritten cards in the mail from her), and absolutely adores her kids, grandkids, and great-grandbabies.

While we were chatting, Eldora gave me some advice.

And when someone who has lived over three of your lifetimes gives you advice, you listen.

“Keep a journal,” she said.

She said that while she can remember what it was like to be 40, she would love to have a journal to look back on and read memories.

The day to day things. The big, and the small.

“It would be so nice to read about those memories that I have.”

Now, I’m not much of a journaler.

I’ve tried many times to incorporate it into my routine.

It never sticks. Always forced.

But about a year and a half ago, I started writing stories as a part of the StoryAthlete community.

Originally thinking it was going to be a way to build Kristina and I’s business, I (reluctantly, might I add) began to share the stories.

On Facebook, and on our blog.

Short, 200-400 word stories.

About my life, and connecting these stories back to principles that I live by, and that our business is built on.

It was awkward, at first, thanks to my Inner Critic.

“People will think you’re just seeking attention.”
“No one cares what you write about.”
“You’re going to be one of those annoying social media people.”

It went on, but I continued to publish, as part of my commitment to learning to become a StoryAthlete.

And I learned quickly, that writing these stories and pressing “publish” consistently most days of the week, was changing me.

Changing my perspective.
Changing the way I handled conflict.
Changing the way that I interacted with my family, my students, and my players.

Writing, more than anything, was and is for me.

A necessary step in my goal to always be evolving and becoming the best version of myself.

It’s also what I immediately thought of when Eldora gave me that nugget of wisdom.

I may not have a journal, but I have stories.

Stories of my everyday struggles.
Stories about Charlee throughout her entire life so far.
Stories of my childhood.
Stories of my family, students, teaching, and coaching.
Funny and sad stories.
And stories about the early days of building a business.

Memories created and preserved.

When I think of legacy, I don’t think of it in terms of money or accolades.

I think of it as a collection of my experiences.

Experiences and memories, backed my stories, that should my family, kids, and loved ones decide to read and relive, they will be there waiting.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

But what about a picture, backed by a story to relive the thoughts, emotions, and wisdom from the experience shown in the picture?

I know I would love to read a story about my 2-year-old self, as told from the perspective from my mom and dad as new, young parents.

And that’s one reason I continue to publish.

To capture and store these memories.

So that throughout my life, and even from beyond the grave, I can continue to encourage and inspire.

So, in that sense, I have a journal.

Better yet, I’ll have books.

Filled with the stories and memories of my life.

To me, that’s priceless.

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