How to Share Snapshots of the American Dream

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“Knowledge increases by sharing, not by saving.” – Kamari aka Lyrical

Somehow I ended up as the keeper of a friend’s family photo albums. From time to time I’ll walk by an album and flip it open to a random scene from the 1960’s – his family all posed for a vacation photograph or one of a Christmas morning. And I’ll wonder, did it feel the same way to be in his family as it did mine?

One of things I find fascinating about when we share our stories is how they land for other people. It’s that chance to find out that we’re not alone in our experience and also that every family has its own flavor of wacky.

In this episode of the How to Share podcast, my co-host Vicki Atkinson and I are with author and educator Gloria Golec talking about her family memories.

We talk about acclaimed author and educator Gloria’s heartwarming new memoir, South Side Memories. This captivating book invites you on a journey through vivid snapshots of family, Polish immigrant heritage, and the vibrant streets of Chicago. With every page, Gloria masterfully reveals how cherished memories shaped her life and inspired her path.

We uncover the power of storytelling as Gloria shares how writing helped her stay connected to her roots and loved ones. She generously reveals the secrets to starting—and finishing—a personal project that might seem daunting at first, making it accessible for anyone ready to share their own story.

South Side Memories isn’t just a memoir; it’s a celebration of identity and resilience. Through Gloria’s uplifting narrative, you’ll learn how sharing your story can touch hearts and inspire others. This is a must-listen for anyone who values heritage, family, and the transformative magic of storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to be inspired—fall in love with South Side Memories today.

Takeaways

  • The book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.
  • Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.
  • Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.
  • Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.
  • Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.
  • Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.
  • Teaching experiences can influence one’s writing and storytelling approach.
  • Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.
  • Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.
  • Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.

Here’s Gloria describing her captivating book, South Side Memories:

Here are some ways you can watch this compelling and inspiring episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

Links for this episode:

How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcript

Gloria Golec’s profile on Eckhartz Press

South Side Memories on Eckhartz Press

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

(featured photo from Pexels)

24 thoughts on “How to Share Snapshots of the American Dream”

  1. Thank you for your valuable takeaways on this Wynne. The transformative power of storytelling – oh yes! For me, when in the audience, it seems to bridge that gap between listening and hearing. The story draws me in. From the storyteller’s side – how brave! Or quite possibly that’s my stuff! 🙂

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  3. Sharing our stories helps build bonds with one another. We see things in common between the different cultures that bridge the differences, help to curb the isolationism. On the outside we look different, but inside, we share so many commonalities.

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    1. I am in sympathy with Tamara’s comment.The story of the fulfillment of the American Dream fills the heart. In our time, it also reminds us (if we need a reminder) of something that is not always on offer, and not always within reach for everyone. When I look at the books of photos left by my parents, I think not only of the achievement of my parents and many of their friends, but also wonder about those who are nameless, at least to me. What were their lives like? What were their joys? What were their hardships? At least, I wish I knew their names.

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      1. Nameless people may have made some deeply relevant contributions to your parent’s lives, and you may never know it, but you’ve felt it.

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      2. Your comment about those who are nameless and the questions is so good, Dr. Stein. Especially when the cost of a photograph was so much higher, they must have been significant to our parents. And you’re right about the American Dream – a good reminder that it is not always within reach, especially today.

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  4. I loved Gloria’s “back story” explanation of how this memoir evolved. “What about my aunt?” “My parents?” And soon, she had separate character studies that when combined, tell a bigger story. I enjoyed locking in on Gloria and her storytelling; her line of thinking. I just “got” her. She made me think too about “sacrifice”, about not recognizing what our parents or aunts did for us at that time because we were young, but we can clearly see it now. I’m going to think about that. Gloria was great! Thanks, Wynne and Vicki.

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  6. What a lovely story about Gloria’s life in her memoir. It gives pause to where we were, where we are, and celebrating how we got here. Thanks so much for sharing this lovely episode Wynne! 💖👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🦋

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  7. You make such an important point about how we bond over shared stories, Wynne. One of the things I like most about reading is that it triggers memories I haven’t thought of in decades. My parents grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, so I’m going to take a closer look at Gloria’s book.

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    1. Triggering memories — that’s exactly right, Pete. It’s funny how they are waiting in there and then someone else tells their story and they pop up! Love that this connects to your Chicago roots. Thanks for tuning in, my friend!

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  9. ooh, I can’t wait to hear the whole thing! I love family stories and am always wondering how to organize mine, it’s been an ongoing project and I love working on it

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