#StoriesOfUs

[legendary-stories]

𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

About the Project: Legendary Stories is a long-term, personal blog project focused on creating deeply human, multifaceted characters who may seem ordinary on the surface but possess extraordinary qualities born from their unique struggles, backgrounds, and experiences. Each character will be from different ethnicities, walks of life, and have distinct challenges that shape their worldviews and decisions. These characters will evolve over time, guided by their journeys of resilience, growth, and an ultimate desire to help others who face similar struggles.

The project will explore how ordinary people, from varying walks of life, can transform their pain, fear, and difficulties into a driving force for change and support in their communities. These characters’ stories will demonstrate the power of empathy, courage, and the pursuit of meaningful work in the face of adversity.

Project Breakdown:

01.) Character Creation:

Each story begins with crafting the backstory of an ordinary character from any ethnicity or cultural background. They will be relatable individuals, dealing with common life challenges such as trauma, loss, abuse, discrimination, financial hardship, and more.

The emphasis is on diversity: characters will come from different social classes, ethnicities, genders, and regions, ensuring a broad and inclusive range of perspectives.

02.) The Struggle:

Every character has a pivotal event or series of struggles that shape their lives. Whether it’s a physical injury, mental health battle, poverty, or any other challenge, this formative event (or ongoing struggle) will lead them to face difficult decisions about how to live their life moving forward.

The stories will delve deeply into their emotional, psychological, and physical battles, with careful attention to how these trials impact their sense of self-worth, relationships, and worldview.

03.) The Transformation:

Over time, the characters begin to find ways to transform their pain and challenges into a force for good. They may go through phases of denial, anger, and frustration, but ultimately, they recognize that they can use their experiences to help others.

This transformation is not about perfect heroism but a realistic, often messy, path to healing. Their work may range from volunteering, teaching, or even creating advocacy programs or businesses that support others facing similar issues.

04.) Helping Others:

Each story culminates in the character taking action to help others who struggle with the same challenges. Whether it’s starting a nonprofit, becoming a community leader, or simply spreading awareness, these characters channel their struggles into passion projects that uplift those around them.

Example: A young man who survived a life-changing injury in a wildfire becomes a firefighter and uses his experience to teach communities about fire safety and mental resilience. He might also work with victims of other traumatic events, teaching them how to cope with the psychological effects of trauma.

06.) Themes and Takeaways:

Through these stories, the reader learns about the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of facing adversity. The key takeaway is that no one’s struggle is ever wasted, and that through sharing our experiences and helping others, we can all grow and heal together.

The project will emphasize the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and the positive impact of giving back. It will also touch on broader themes such as overcoming generational trauma, community support, and finding one’s purpose in life.

Content Warning:

Legendary Stories includes discussions of sensitive topics such as trauma, abuse, discrimination, mental health struggles, loss, and other difficult life experiences. These themes are explored in a deeply emotional and realistic way, focusing on the human capacity for growth and transformation. While the stories aim to inspire resilience and healing, they may be triggering for some readers.

The creator of this project is committed to conducting thorough research and ensuring that the portrayal of all characters and their backgrounds is respectful, accurate, and free from judgment or mockery. This project is not intended to stereotype or demean any individual or culture, but to honor the complexity and diversity of human experiences.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the subjects covered, please proceed with caution, and be mindful of your emotional well-being while engaging with the content. Support resources and professional guidance are always encouraged for anyone facing similar challenges.

[thelazyvisionary]

I met a boy

I met a boy

who was as kind as an early morning walk,

and was as comforting as the

gentle explosion of air that 

washes over your tired face as you 

sit, still, in a moving car.

His touch was profound

and his smell was reminiscent of

a certain home.

But one morning, he packed his bags

and sped out of the city.

His only goodbye

was the fleeting kiss we shared at a walkway,

late one night.

His eventual absence was always felt,

even in moments when

desire and ambition were louder than fate,

and the moon smiled back at us.

Thrust into the winds of time,

we let go of an elusive dream,       

and each set out for better beginnings 

and never-endings in a 

fast cold world.

The only haunting difference between us

was that I

held on to the dream for much longer.

[letskeepgrowingmcr]

We're on iPlayer! Head to BBC2 "Stories of Us" and select episode 7 ID: a screenshot of iPlayer "Stories of Us" Series 1 Episode 7 - the image is of Rev Kate Bottles and broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste. The episode description (white writing on black background): "Rev Kate Bottley and broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste are in the great outdoors to explore how making the most of the planet's resources might have benefits for us as well as the environment. Kate is in Wales as she discovers how some people find inner peace on a wire high above the cliffs of Anglesey, while Ashley meets a group of people aiming to clean up their neighbourhood to make it a nicer place to live for everyone."

[heuristicsailorfranky]

I love you Chip!! Nah... Tatum.. that is the name for him.

“Have you chosen a name for him?” my roommate bobbed in and out of my room as did the little puppy we had just brought home. I sighed. Not really...

“Uhh..” I stammered, putting up some clothes. 

“I mean you have time.” she answered my silent question.

“Yeah.” I shifted my eyes all around the room looking for some sign. Nothing. We’ve had this puppy for a grand total of three hours, and I didn't have a name picked out, and for some reason it made me feel more of a terrible owner. It was my own guilt. 

I saw a bag of Chips ahoy cookies laying beside my bed. 

“Chip!” I yelled super happy that I had thought of something. I never wanted to name my animals after food but here I was exclaiming the most common of names for dogs. 

“I love chip!!” she jumped up and down clapping. I felt as though she would have liked anything I picked. Perfect.

“Your name is Chip little guy.” I scooped him up from around my legs and held him up from my face. “Chip.” 

*fast forward One hour later.” 

“I don’t know about chip.” I groaned as I opened the back door to walk back inside. ‘Chip’ ran behind me. 

“Chip is a good name!” my roommate assured me. I looked around for another person even though it was just me and her. Hm. 

I was in the shower when I thought of it. Tatum. I love Tatum, I thought. Tatum. Tatum. Tatum. I walked out of the bathroom (clothed) 

“Tatum!” my roommates smile faded. Well, I guess she wouldn't like everything I called him. “I like that more than Chip!” 

“What happened to Chip?” she asked, yes, so she doesn't listen to me. 

“I like Tatum more than Chip.” I repeated. 

“Okay..” She mumbled. And we were off, my roommate being resistant and calling him Tatum Chip, me calling him Tatum. 

Life was chaotic, how do you get used to a puppy? You don't. You take it every 20 minutes at a time, (the time span you take him on potty breaks). It quickly turned from 20 minutes to an hour, and then to two hours. 

He was Tatum for a day. It wasn't until the next night that I looked at him and realized that I didn't feel like Tatum was for him. I began thinking of Channing Tatum every time I called his name and it wasn't working out. I couldn't be thinking of another human while calling my dog!! 

“What is your name!?” I held him up to my face again, hoping he would tell me. 

“Carl?” My roommate laughed as I slung around the name. 

I resulted in texting my family a picture of him and the same question I had been asking myself. 

My stepfather just had to text it once. 

“Jack.” 

“JACK!” I shouted. That was it! That was his name! 

“YES!!” my roommate clapped as excited as I was! “It fits him perfectly!” 

“It does doesn't it!!?” I smiled the biggest smile I could “All the best people were named Jack!!” 

“You're such a Jack.” I laughed at the puppy sitting on the bed with me, looking at me what seemed like for the very first time. 

[lboogiepopworld]

#HispanicHeritageMonth #FridayFeeling #FridayMotivation Reposted from @fiercebymitu (@get_regrann) - Thank you @OprahMagazine for amplifying our historias and our voices. #OprahMagazine highlighted the immigration stories of Latinos and we can’t wait to add them to our book list! 💞 Which ones have you read? .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ // @julissaarce @oprahmagazine⁠ #StoriesOfUs #LatinoImmigrationStories #ImmigrantsMatter #LatinxHeritageMonth #HispanicHeritageMonth #LBoogiePopWorld #PopCultureMedia #Miami #MiamiDade #BrowardCounty #SouthFlorida #ConcertReviews #AlbumReviews #Freelance #BloggerForHire #MovieScreenings #FilmFestivals #ABFF #JazzGardens - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MScVWBW42/?igshid=108nwtahlzvwt

[thetealsocietyblog]

It's TUESDAY!!! My attempt at “Rocking Chemo” Cycle 1: Day 1, of BEP chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer! The whole day did not look like this but it was mostly a good first day 😉 Still thinking of a name for the pump! 📸@smurferdude #fuckcancer #ovariancancer #germcelltumor #chemotherapy #chemo #chemopump #findyourjoy #storiesofus #alwaysplay Source @hellakiff #thetealsociety https://www.instagram.com/p/BuV5yW0g_7-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ahdg8mgdvnmz

[dhirajsindhiwriting-blog]

🌇 Bobby Sachdeva Bobby Sachdeva questions the status quo regarding the pressing issues of Indian society in "Stories of Us", condemning blind faith, discrimination, inquisitiveness, and raising concern about the safety of underprivileged & women in this country. Pan Macmillan India Pan Macmillan . 🧘‍♂️ Read the full review on the Blog - https://bit.ly/2Yrs7MF 🌄 . . .

[sashbtah]

You don’t have to go, I know I’ve told you before. I could never say it enough and that’s the whole point. We could drive back to Florida, my home forever and you know it’s yours. Let’s see where we land or head out to sea, hit the waves and don’t stop and see where they take us. I was drawn to your light, now I don’t even see it. I need you to find me.

I said I’m sorry, but I wasn’t sorry enough, to give back what you gave me. I got to you fast, but not fast enough. I know the reason you’re always afraid.

[thatrandomgirlinthehoody]

There was this one afternoon I stepped out into the rain.

You see, it was against all of our high school's policies to leave the building. But, at the end of the band hallway, there was this door that no one bothered to keep watch over. A perk of being in an ignored art.

It had begun to rain and I watched from a distance in the hallway. Outside the blue tones and patters of rain called to me. Inside, desolate incandescent lighting and muffled lunch time chatter pushed me away. Upon instinct, I fled outside.

Glorious. That's how the rain felt. Small drops from heaven hitting my skin in an uneven rhythm. I stood and lifted my chin skyward, closing my eyes, soaking it in.

Eventually I turned to go in. A boy stood there, his silhouette darkened by his black hoody. I smiled and his eyes glanced me over before pushing the door further open.

"Come here," he said, his arms opening to encircle me in his embrace. For this first time in my life, I willingly went.

The door must have shut, a quiet thump behind us. We were too busy finding comfort in the warmth of a hug and the patter of the rain.

[eelojjolee]

There are moments

Throughout the day when I sweep my long hair out of my face or I feel it brush across the backs of my arms and I remember when you called me a mermaid.

- Making love to you with my hair down.

j.d.c

[mformissus]

@yvel_lf and me- A remarkable evening spent walking around Notre Dame de Lorette, Moulin Rouge, Montmartre and Galleries Lafayette. Felt fortunate to share our love for music, food, languages and people, with this talented young Mexican-French global citizen/ artist/rocker/dreamer who wanted to meet and make new friends and be part of the multi-cultural world I am exploring this year. What started out as an outing arranged by an app (#showaround great app for accessing experiences with locals), ended up being an evening spent discussing stories of us, our lives, our origins, our connections across the world, our dreams and aspirations. Thank you Yvel- you made my stay in Paris special by affording your earnest research of local sights and sharing parts of your life and cosmos with me. 2017 will indeed be a year of radical exploration- of finding new friends, discovering community. Strangers with kind faces in far off places. Community is a slice of belonging and a shared humanity wherever we go. check out @yvel_lf and his band www.laminarflowband.com #storiesofus #community #globalcitizensunite #affinitywithoutborders #beradicalbefree #petitmonde (à Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Paris)

[letskeepgrowingmcr]

Remember that big alley makeover we did last February? Check out @BBCNWT BBC2 #storiesofus this Sunday, 13:45! @LetsKeepGrowing alleyway greening in Longsight, helped by kindness and enthusiasm of a huge number of people and organisations! Image description: A young Asian British woman drills a hole into an alleyway brick wall to install a bug hotel. Photo by @sophiebroadgate

[feverdreamhighswift]

I may have only started my fan account a couple months ago when I found out they existed (laughable i know but for real) but it makes my heart so damn happy to have a place where other people love you as much as I do @taylorswift I catch a lot of hate and ridicule from people for my love and passion for you Taylor, but that doesn’t stop me. Yes my feelings have been hurt and I get a lot of challenges from people on “she’s just playing the victim” or “I dont even know why you’re a fan of hers” (let me count thy reasons why) I then come to Taylor’s defense, protect her and get made fun of for it. It’s usually a trap I fall for even at 27 lol I never let those people bring me down and continue to love and support you fully! I love you and I cant wait to see you in Cleveland after a fabulous night in Columbus! @taylorswift @taylornation

[george-muro]

#Repost @mujeresdemaiz CLAUDIA PRESENTE! #SAYHERNAME Repost By @josebilingue: #SayHerName:Claudia Patricia Gómez González --- La Mató La Migra. I toggle between an abundance of words and a very select few... #YaBasta, #MuertasDeJuarez #HastaLaMadre, #Ayotzinapa, #YaMeCanse, #YoSoy132....y más y más I have somewhere I am to be headed....and yet the feeling keeps exploding so as to have me at pause and have this be one of the many ways I want to express it. Because what still hasn't changed is the murder and disappearing of indigenous women regardless of borders. Within the US, Mexico, Canada, and other countries all around. Claudia was a divine light, her life was sacred, and it was carelessly taken from this moment, devalued. This is why elections have consequences, why our values and choices have consequences---what happens when we ignore to account that our words matter and have meaning in how we connect or separate from "the other". Ya me canse. I had something "lighter" to share, but that will wait...right now I don't care what is within your power to do: vote, tell a friend, donate, volunteer, call your rep, educate yourself, pray...just do it. Because to maintain this as normal and ignore our sphere of influence....ESTAMOS MATANDO MUJERES INDÍGENAS. Y que podremos decir que hicimos al contrario? Photosketch by me based on arte edits by @prolemex-- go show him some love. Show each other some love. #StoriesOfUs #NoMas #MMIW #MissingMurderedIndigenousWomen

[staywokehk-blog]

A statement issued on behalf of Founder Keisha Siriboe and the Stories of Us Officers. Stories of Us is a Hong Kong-based social enterprise that uses research-based curriculums to promote family bonding through early literacy. In light of recent events surrounding HSBC Hong Kong’s “Celebrate Pride, Celebrate Unity” campaign, and the subsequent petition organized by Hong Kong family groups referring to the campaign as “ugly” and “disgusting.” Therefore be it resolved, that Stories of Us supports the artwork of Michael Lam and his message of "unity in diversity." We further affirm our commitment to promoting early childhood literacy through global engagement, critical literacy, and parent education. Within our approach to early childhood literacy, we believe that all families in Hong Kong should see their stories represented in our social impact programs; particularly, the Pop-Up Read Aloud. We pledge and recommit to making our activities and events inclusive environments that welcome ALL people regardless of their color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or immigration status. Photo: Stories of Us team with artist Michael Lam. Children's book: Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino & Isabelle Malenfant. #StayWokeHK #StoriesOfUs #TogetherWeCan #HSBCPride (at Hong Kong)

[thatrandomgirlinthehoody]

we set off on an escapade/ after being chided for our charade/ his eyes are a twinkling blue/ the piano man, that’s you

off tune voices fill the corridor/ we don’t stop, we need more/ fingers against the keys/ we’re close to tears, and so is he

sing us the melody/ he hums to the beat/ the beat of our hearts/ the beat of this city