Vibrant Nation

I believe in the power of stories.

Since ancient times, we have been transmitting our values, our wisdom, and our experiences through storytelling. Each of us has a story to share. Every one of our lives counts.

So my ears perked up when a woman named Amy from StoryCorps emailed me last month to let me know that StoryCorps was proclaiming November 28th to be the first annual National Day of Listening.

According to its website, StoryCorps is "one of the largest oral history projects of its kind." Through its efforts, more than 40,000 Americans have recorded their stories. Its mission is simple: "To help people honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening."

Throughout this holiday season, StoryCorps is encouraging us all to ask the people around us--our grandparents, our teachers, our neighbors--about their lives. "By listening to their stories," the StoryCorps folks note, "you will be telling them that they matter and they will never be forgotten. It may be the most meaningful time you spend this year. . . .

"Listening is an act of love."

Click here to find out how to participate.

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Prill Boyle is the author of Defying Gravity: A Celebration of Late-Blooming Women. Read more about Prill's work as an author and speaker on her website.