Episode 125: History Isn't What You Think it Is. History is us.

Our Stories Now are What Will Shape the Meaning of this Time in History

Martha Kohl has always had a strong connection to history, but not in a traditional way. She loved listening to the stories told by her parents and grandparents about how and where they grew up, the social and political environments of those times, and the ways those experiences shaped their lives.

It was when she was 17 and stuck in a cabin without tv or radio, and only a handful of books, that she discovered her love for history as it is told through the stories of individuals living in ordinary and extraordinary times. She "accidentally" picked up a history book and read it because there was nothing else to do.

I wish I had known Martha when I was in high school or college, because I had zero interest in history as it was taught in my school. The timelines of leaders, battles, Presidents and wars just did not hold my interest in any way.

But that's not how Martha sees and teaches history. She teaches it through the stories of individual experience, because THAT'S history, WE are history. The everyday lives of people doing their thing, cooking, learning, gardening, being part of a community, that's history, and that is what can be fascinating when shared well.

Martha's comment to me: "It brings me comfort to know that yes, people lived and thrived through historic events like the flu epidemics, the Great Depression, and war time. People died, and people lived, and life moved on, just like it will for us."

Interviewing her for this podcast, at this time, was perfect. She's coordinating a program with the Montana Historical Society to collect everyday Montanan's stories of their current experiences during the pandemic. They created a survey to make it easy for people to answer questions that can then be collected and archived for future generations to truly understand this time in our global community's history.

When hearing Martha's inspiring perspective on what history is, and the roles we play, especially now, I realized how relevant the timing of my book being published really is. The book is designed to help people collect stories in their own story portfolio. It's also designed to help people understand the value of their own stories, the meaningful moments they didn't realize were interesting or important.

I hope you'll consider starting a journal or diary now, so your community, your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren can learn about what you did, how you lived, and your experience of this time in our collective lives. 

When they experience something similar, and you know they will, they will have your experience to bring them comfort, hope, and inspiration to collect their stories too.

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Sarah Elkins is an author, keynote speaker, communication coach, and Gallup certified StrengthsFinder coach. Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is available on bookshop.org (support your local bookstore here!), Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Journaling? Seems Like Work to Me.

Twice in two weeks, jumping out of my comfort zone.

Inspired by this article by Benjamin Hardy, I picked up the beautiful journal my friend gave me as a birthday gift years ago, and packed it for an overnight away with the family.

I'm always suggesting that people step out of their comfort zones, and I've had to practice what I preach a few times in recent weeks.

Never a joiner, it was out of character for me to become a member of our local Women's Leadership Network a few years ago. This was a different kind of organization; little obligation of time and money, and good benefits in available workshops and referrals; it was an easy baby step into joining something, and the financial investment didn't feel like a big commitment.

After the successful annual conference of this group, I was impressed with the positive and encouraging energy of the women on the board and the members. So when the incoming President asked if I would consider serving as her Vice President, I didn't immediately turn her down. I offered to think about it. When I brought it up with my husband, who usually knows just what to say, his response was: "Well, Sarah, you're always telling people to take the leap and get out of their comfort zone. This seems like a good opportunity for you to do that."

I did. I know, it's only two weeks into my tenure, but so far I couldn't be happier with my decision. And that's really saying something because, in general, I'm terrified of commitment. That's why I've never joined an organization or served on a board. This year will be full of activity with this board, and I'm committed to helping our organization serve the women in our community.

As I launched myself into 2017, I started to panic about the commitments I've already made in just the first few months. My anxiety would wake me from a deep sleep, perspiration soaking the sheets with revelations in dreams of spiders and filthy bathrooms. I realized I needed tools to deal with what I saw as too many commitments and not enough time for myself. After all, I still have two teenagers in the house, a full time job, a nearly full time side-hustle, I perform regularly with two or three bands, and now I'm serving on the board of WLN Helena.

The first thing I did was buy my annual desktop calendar. Yes, the old school giant box calendar that I write on -- with a pen. It's posted on the side of our refrigerator for all school programs, doctors appointments, and any other scheduled event that impacts our family. When I sat down at the table with my brand new 2017 calendar, I carefully wrote every date committed so far. It suddenly became much easier to handle.

Then I read the article I referenced above by Benjamin Hardy. When I was in 7th grade, my English teacher made her students keep a journal for a semester. I don't remember enjoying it, but I can tell you that when I found it a few years ago, I was thrilled that I had completed that assignment. Hilarious. Dramatic, Boy crazy. Since then, the only journaling I've done, formally, was keeping a bit of a journal when I was pregnant the first time, and while I was studying abroad in Australia. I wasn't consistent, to say the least.

Journaling always seemed so rigid to me, like so much work. And goodness knows I have enough work to do without adding one. more. thing. That was until I read Benjamin's article; I realized that I was already journaling in my own style, and it is anything but rigid. When I am in meetings, at conferences, and even watching TV, I will grab a scrap of paper to write a phrase or a few sentences, a "to do" list, or a reminder to tell someone something. That scrap of paper is usually put into a notebook, purse, or pocket, and never referred to again. 

Instead of trying to deal with my scraps of paper for inspiration when writing, I've decided to again step out of my comfort zone and keep a journal with me everywhere I go. I've filled four pages in three days, and find myself thinking about what I'll put into it next. I'm actually excited to try this out, to see if this tool will help make me more efficient and productive.

If you've ever considered journaling, don't hesitate. Pick up a notebook and start doodling, writing phrases, and even penciling in your 'to do' list. Journaling doesn't have to be rigid, there are no rules, and you never know when something you wrote down will inspire an important thought or discussion in the future. I'll let you know how this goes. After all, I'm not really committed.

There are still spots available at the inaugural No Longer Virtual Conference February 23 & 24 in Atlanta. Here’s Cheryl Snapp Conner’s article in Forbes mentioning NLV as an event not to miss in 2017.

Sarah Elkins is a professional coach and consultant, helping people and businesses improve their communication through the art of storytelling. She’s also the President of Elkins Consulting, the company making a splash with small, face-to-face, affordable interactive conferences called No Longer Virtual.