All right, you caught me. I am using another bodybuilder pic for the second week, but I have to say this. When first deciding how I could finally get into that topic just a bit, the photo I thought of initially was that one below of Jim Hellwig, (a.k.a. Warrior) once again only this time on the cover of a magazine. Bodybuilding began his storytelling if you will, although chiropractic school garnered his interest as well. After that, it became pro wrestling. What a story he had and told but we all can do this, just in our own way. What makes a good storyteller? I sure hope you think I am with bringing you this content but today, I am highlighting another area here.
As years went by, Warrior began to use his voice more than his body and to me became that much more powerful. If you’ve seen any of his video work, you’ll know but that’s not what I’m referencing exactly. I love his stories but it’s *** HOW*** he came across to audiences that made a lasting impact. The people who were there heard him share the intensity, discipline, and lessons that made his life work. OK, sometimes there would be yelling or 🤬 but honestly- ( without being biased,) I could listen to him for hours. He just had such a compelling voice that I truly believed resonated with interested people. For those unfamiliar, just LISTEN for a bit. Even if I had never known him as a wrestler, I would be captivated by his storytelling.
I have written about my former book club leader Pam who is another one of these people. She had this way with words that would totally just make me melt. I had given several talks over the years and was always complimented, but I can’t hold a candle to these very gifted ones. Pam along with Warrior knew how to carry a room with just the power of their voices that generated such stories. My interest was held and still is. I wish Pam well in her retirement down in Tampa, Florida. I miss her. My spiritual mother that I truly needed… ❤️🩹
Another woman who had been mentioned mostly on my older blog about spirituality was Louise Hay. She founded “Hay House” and their smaller company of “Balboa Press” published my book- ” Spirit and Belief.” Oh look, another plug. I had to have a 3 count! 📗 Louise was a pioneer and truly helped so many people with her generosity, programs, and gifted healers. Even if you disagree or are skeptic, just listen to one of her many, many videos out there or read her books. You won’t walk away disappointed but lifted and energized. Her voice (like I believe I’ve said before) just makes me wanna curl up in her lap~~~ in a good way of course. She was another beautiful storyteller and had such a fascinating life. Feel free to look her up if wanting spiritual insight or just to hear a positive voice which may draw you in…
The last person I’m writing about today is brand new to the blog, but he came to me so we get two guys and two gals. This man I had met as a teen through church. No fretting, this is not meant to be religious at all so keep going with me. Deacon Stan would always blow me away with his preaching and I loved when he was a co-presider. Another wonderful storyteller with a transcending voice that made me pay attention better during a service. From age 5 to 95, he related to everyone. It didn’t matter the topic of discussion, I could’ve stayed in that pew for longer than an hour as I do believe he did give other talks to different groups. Fast forward many years later as we had changed churches. He gets assigned to the parish we originally belonged to! It’s complicated but we were back there and here he was. I was so excited to be part of his talks once more as an adult with kids of my own. Again, despite the religious part of all this, he still could hold a congregation with his soft demeanor, yet fair sounding voice. His stories mentioned family, personal experiences, and bringing a Creator into the conversation. He could’ve read or talked about anything and I’d be hooked. Remember that expression of : “he could read the phone book!” That doesn’t stand today but you get my point I’m sure.
Deacon Stan became ill and eventually passed away several years ago now. He was so young to me… 😞 I no longer attend any type of religious service but still did back then. I cried for days knowing we’d be without such a profound storyteller. 💔 I can only imagine him using his talent up above to captivate audiences still. His voice was just like Warrior, Pam, and Louise, who were able to bring their stories to life where others could not dismiss or ignore~~~ despite some possible resistance. Yes, 3 out of these 4 have passed on but will forever be remembered for the impact they made with their voice, actions, and storytelling. Do you know people like this? I hope you do and treasure what they bring forth.
*** My daughter is part of this post yet again because of her recent storytelling which made me well up. 🥹🥲 She decided to write letters to all her good friends as they graduated a few weeks ago. She did not tell any of them about her act, but wanted to say goodbye on her own terms for their high school years together. I hope her friends keep the letters she wrote of remembering all the stories they shared. I was overwhelmed by the desire to let her good friends know how much they meant to her. Writing is storytelling too, just in a different voice. ✍🏻
***On Father’s Day (like several years past,) it would’ve been Warrior’s 65th birthday. No big b-day post for him this year but that’s OK. We will be on vacation like 2 years ago for Father’s Day but not intentional. I’m taking next week off while we visit Michigan for a few days. We loved it there when my son graduated and now returning, only to a new area as my daughter just ended her high school years too. Her graduation was a beautiful night with many stories we will always treasure. I have said to tell your stories, however that looks whether you use your voice or the written word. You don’t have to be like Warrior, Pam, Louise, or Deacon Stan. Be the teller of YOUR stories so YOUR legacy will be felt by others willing to know it.
P.S. Catch up on past posts while I’m gone! HBD Warrior and happy Dad’s day to you always. 🩷🩷This ends the 6 months of year 10 with his birthday always culminating around now. 💙I miss him but his spirit is around everyday…
*** Get this~~~ I was at the store the other day copying photos to use for my daughter’s graduation party and the total came to $6.16. With tax the total came to $6.66. That can be a SCARY number to some but it’s me and my 6’s coming back once again… PLUS Warrior’s bday… 😉🫢 If I had added one more photo, I would not have had that total. I received a receipt totaling $6.16 a few years ago close to Warriors’s birthday as well. I always get a sign… How fitting now though that it was when I was making copies from my girl’s beautiful graduation 👩🏻🎓 night… 🥹 6️⃣6️⃣6️⃣
mywarriorwritings.com 