Telling Your Story: Where Do You Begin?

By Annette Gerdes, General Manager, Goderich Place Retirement Residence

Three people sit outdoors on wooden benches, smiling and looking at a photo album. The mood is joyful and relaxed.

One of my favourite memories of my grandparents is of them gathered around the card table, laughter spilling over the clatter of cards, or watching the horse races in Clinton with quiet excitement. I loved hearing the stories behind those days the little victories, the playful rivalries, the moments that made them smile or shake their heads. Now, I share those same stories with my children. They never met their great-grandparents directly, but through these stories, they feel connected and they have so many questions I don’t always know the answers to. It’s a reminder of how important it is to start these conversations while we can: ask questions, make notes, even create a scrapbook so these memories live on for the next generation.

Interestingly, this idea of storytelling came to me from a resident who requested an article on the topic not to ask for help telling their own story, but to share the importance of telling one’s story in general. The timing felt ironic and perfect: shortly afterward, I attended a conference where keynote speaker Mike Downie spoke about the same idea. He reflected on Terry Fox and Vicki Keith remarkable Canadians whose legacies continue to inspire, not just because of what they accomplished, but because their stories were shared, remembered, and passed on. Their courage and determination live on because someone cared enough to listen and to tell their story.

It made me think about the stories all around us stories that may never make headlines, but matter just as much. Every life is full of moments that shaped us, challenges that tested us, and lessons that guided us. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how often these stories remain untold, even though they hold so much value for the people we love.

Telling your story is important in ways we don’t always realize. It helps us make sense of our lives, connecting experiences, triumphs, and even heartbreaks into something meaningful. It reminds us of our own resilience; of the strength we didn’t always notice in ourselves. It can even bring clarity to moments we may have carried quietly for years.

For our families, stories become treasures. They provide context, history, and a sense of identity. For my children, hearing about their great-grandparents’ lives help them understand not just where they came from, but who they are now. Even if some details are missing, the act of sharing, the conversation itself is what matters most. And for those of us who listen, stories create connection and deepen understanding in ways that nothing else can.

So, where do you begin?

The truth is you don’t need to start at the beginning. Start with a moment. A memory that makes you laugh. A time you were proud. A challenge you overcame. Maybe it’s a lively game of cards, a day spent at the racetrack, a favourite family recipe, or even a small story that has stuck with you over the years.

Here are a few tips to help capture your stories:

• Write the way you speak – Don’t worry about perfect grammar or style. Just tell it naturally.

• Focus on feelings, not just facts – What did it feel like? Who was there? Why did it matter?

• Ask gentle questions – “What was happening around me?” “Who influenced this moment?” “What did I learn?”

• Keep notes or create a scrapbook – Even small notes or pictures can spark memories and start conversations.

• Record a conversation – Sometimes speaking aloud is easier than writing, and hearing your own voice can bring the story to life.

Stories don’t need to be polished or complete to be meaningful. Conversations over coffee, casual chats with family, or little notes tucked away in a notebook all of it keeps memories alive. And sometimes, these shared moments lead to even more questions, laughter, and understanding between generations.

Spring reminds us that it’s never too late to begin. Perhaps reading this could be your invitation: a daughter, a son, a grandchild, someone who wants to know their family’s stories. Start the conversation. Ask questions. Make notes. Make memories last.

Even one story at a time can make a lifetime of difference.

Your story matters. Your family will treasure it. And the best time to begin… is now.

Annette