Why is understanding story so important?
Most people believe that stories live in the pages of books, but the most important stories in the world are hidden. They live inside us. They are created through the meaning we make of our experiences. Day by day. Moment by moment.
The stories we hold are our lens on the world. They frame what we see and who we can be as a result. They determine our agency -- our ability to take action and make impact.
Whether you see possibilities or problems, competition or potential colleagues depends on your story. Most people aren't even aware their story is in the driver's seat and they are being taken for a ride, all the while wishing desperately to go down a different road.
This happens both for individuals and systemically.
Here's the thing: We live in a story and that means we can change it.
Changing your personal story is the first step towards living the future you want. When you claim your story, you learn to trust yourself and your impact expands. You shine brighter and the world will beat a path to your door.
When we change the stories we live in collectively, at work and in the spheres we are part of -- when they are more positive and generative -- life gets better for everyone. Work becomes more fulfilling, community becomes more connected and everyone benefits.
The power of transformation lies in the stories we choose to activate. In life, at work, in society: It's time to tell a better story.
Story is all about agency -- your ability to take action. Have a listen...
The aspects of great storymaking
Telling a better story is about more than technique. If you want to lead with story, you need more than a simple list of elements. SOAR works with five core aspects to bring story to life within individuals and systems.
Together these aspects form a potent strategy. When you work with your own stories, you build personal and interpersonal capacity. When we work with stories together -- as leaders in work and life -- we increase our capacity for collective wise action.
Whatever the change you're seeking, your story -- and how you host it into life -- is the key.
What is Story Activism?
Hosting brave & transformative spaces
GET THE BOOK
Longing for a larger, more authentic life? Let 365 ALIVE! be your guide.
What's the most important story in the world? It's the one you tell yourself.
Click for more information on the book & free downloads.
More about 365 ALIVE!JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Join us at the fire & bring your story to life
THE STORY DOJO is an online community for exploring, ideating and practicing all aspects of story.
Take the 365 ALIVE! journey and see what's coming up.
More about THE STORY DOJOI'm Mary Alice & I'm a Story Activist
I've been travelling the world and going in and out of organizations, systems, communities and cultures for decades. In working with both individuals and groups, I realized STORY is the secret superpower of humanity. The stories we tell are creating the world we're living in. Every moment. Every day. Story by story.
YOUR STORY IS YOUR FOUNDATION & YOUR KEY TO THE FUTURE -- the roadmap for enabling your purpose in the world.
Your story acts as a beacon lighting the way. What most people don't realize is that you aren't stuck with the current situation -- you can make the choice to activate a better story.
I guide people longing to live a larger and more authentic life to uncover and craft the story that compels them to live that life. And I work with groups to find the stories that will bring their vision and potential into focus and action.
JUST FINDING YOUR STORY IS NOT ENOUGH, YOU NEED TO BRING IT TO LIFE -- especially if the story involves others.
Taking action to live your own story -- and working with others to help a new story take root in the world -- is vital. And there are so many stories that need changing now! I'm a great storyteller, but I'm even better at coaching people to hone the capacity to activate and empower stories to life.
How you take action, especially with others, matters. And with a story and skill, anyone can make change in themselves and in this world!
My book, my story community, the programs I offer and how I work as a Story Activist are the ways I'm making my contribution to grow our individual and collective futures.
I just love working with groups! Here's Brian Tarallo's harvest of my workshop "Change Your Story, Change the World" at the Power of Visuals Week-a-thon. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO EXPAND IT
Isn't it time to bring a new Story to life?
Check for timings
Play a Flow Game
Thirsty for answers?
CONSIDER THIS: Getting yourself to the place you want to be in your life is less about getting the right answers, and more about asking the right question
Have you ever thought to yourself that if you only had the right answer, then all of life would fall into place?
What if moving to the life you want, being the person you dream of being, unleashing the gift inside of yourself is not about answers or tools or techniques, but more about the questions you ask yourself?
When you find a question that really matters to you, it can open the door to something fresh and new. It can offer you a pathway home to yourself. It changes the sense of life happening to you, to life happening for you and through you.
A Flow Game helps you find the wisdom to take on 2024 with confidence, courage and energy.
It's the best 2.5 hours you could invest in yourself!
Interested in becoming a Flow Game Host?
I'm offering an onsite training in Denmark October 18 - 20 with Flow Game creator Toke Møller, and an online training in November. Places are still available.
Online July 22
Open House in THE STORY DOJO
It's Open House at THE STORY DOJO this month and we invite everyone to join us for Office Hours on Monday July 22.
Our question this month is Where are your beginnings, middles and endings right now?
Office Hours is the second online meeting I host every month for members. It is a 90 minute drop-in space where you can get laser story coaching, ask for support on applying storywork in your life or work and meet others.
We'll also be talking about what our Fireside Conversation guest Heather Plett, shared with us during her session on July 8 -- the beauty and challenge of liminal space.
Our 90 minute conversation takes place on Monday, July 22 starting at 10:00 Pacific / 1:00 pm Eastern / 19:00 CET.
Everyone who joins us will receive a copy of Mary Alice's book as a special gift and a link to the July 8 recording.
You will also receive a special membership rate for THE STORY DOJO by joining the Open House.
Click the button to find out more and receive the Zoom link.
Online August 22 - 24
Australasian Change Days
The theme is practices, potentials and play. For three days a lively community of change makers will be exploring the edges and practices of change in a new way.
This successful virtual event is now in its 5th year and brings together leaders, facilitators, and participants from all over the world and across Australia, each contributing emerging ideas and practices. And this year, we’re thrilled to expand our offerings to include some in-person elements, enriching the experience even further.
Join our generous community where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in profound discussions, learn new techniques, and expand your network nationally and internationally.
With a lineup of local, interstate, and international facilitators, Australasian Change Days promises to be an event like no other, where the richness of insight and generosity within the community truly makes it a game-changer.
During this free online conference I will be offering a plenary session on The Fourfold Practice -- a practice pattern at the core of the Art of Hosting. It is an invaluable support for change agents to find their foundations and strength in times of great change.
Download your free chapter!
Wondering how story can impact democracy and governance?
"I turned to Mary Alice for support in a critical time in my work to successfully navigate a difficult merger and rebuild the team. I consider the coaching and support key factors in the success of this project. Her warm and wise presence by my side empowered me and impacted the entire organization with lasting results."
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Nora Ganescu
Consultant & coach, Slovakia
"Mary Alice has been a guide on our journey of service transformation in different ways over seven years. She brings crisp clarity, sharp focus, deep wisdom and a collection of stories that create space for potent conversations and insights."
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Penny Hamilton
Fromer Strategic Partnerships Manager, Uniting Care, Queensland, Australia
"Mary Alice has the sort of grounded presence that can hold a group of any size. I experienced her leading one of the best conferences I've attended. Many people are competent and skilled. Mary Alice has that extra spark that makes her truly inspirational."
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David Sibbet
Founder, The Grove Consultants International, USA