Tell it! Your story matters. For National Write Down Your Story Day, let us put our insecurities and modesty aside. There is something in the story about each and every one of us that matters… deeply… and likely to far more people than we might imagine. When I finally told my Armenian family story, I was literally shocked by the heartfelt responses that poured in and filled my heart to overflowing. Now, my Destiny trilogy has been sold in more countries than I ever imagined. Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear (Book 1: 2021) and Destiny of Daring: Never Forget (Book 3: 2023) come with a violence warning. Reality is like that, and history reflects both the wonders and horrors of the human experience. And yet, it is the love, faith, family values, and strength that rise above, sparkling as the memorable story.
I never knew my family’s story could have such a profound impact on so many different people. Ah, especially in these troubled times, perseverance can build immensely impactful foundations. Among the most precious lessons I learned from my Armenian Grandpa, Hrant Gulumian, are those that help me stay calm and rise above the divisiveness, even when slanted or downright nasty expressions from people who seem to have closed their minds to any thoughts or ideas that appear to be outside their comfort zones. He lived lessons he taught, including that promoting distrust and hatred of people who are different is never a good thing.
My Grandmother, Marjorie Gulumian, also taught me to stay strong. I was honored to publish her journal in a 2014 book, and I also quoted some of her journal notes in Book 1 of the Destiny trilogy in 2021. “The destruction of a civilized society by a jealous, violent one is never a good thing for anyone involved.” So, true… the same now as in 1915, the times to which she referred.
Those who seek the total obliteration of people who differ from themselves are not civilized. They do not and will not negotiate or bargain in good faith. From the ever-ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflicts to the religious leaders of Iran calling for death to all who believe differently, we repeatedly learn just how slow we humans are to evolve.
We can all learn powerfully grounding truths from those who came before us. So, even if you do not know your story, seek it out. Learn it. Then share it. Write it down, both for future generations and for those who just may need to hear your words and the foundational strength gleaned from our families’ experiences. Start today.
(The entire Destiny trilogy is available everywhere books are sold… in digital and paperback formats, with Books 1 and 2 also already released as audiobooks.)
