Your Autograph
Your stories inspire me.
Throughout my life, I’ve been that person people came to when they needed help, not knowing where else to turn. I don’t know why—I’m no one special. But, I do care a lot about others deeply and I have plenty of experience solving problems, a tested winning combination. A friend recently told me, “Marina, you are the only who has ever picked up on my pain. Even my family and best of friends missed it.” I know the pattern and see the clear signs of one’s distress. I’ve lived it myself. I listen and help others because it helps me learn and grow too. I’ve spent hours talking to strangers, always finding a way to make a connection. We are more alike than different; our context separates us. I know a lot of secrets about people. They’ve shared their lives, stories, and feelings with me when they couldn’t tell anyone else. I’m humbled they told me. It’s not for me to share. It’s their story.
Begin writing your story here. I will take good care of your words. I want to hear your thoughts, dreams, and views about the world based on your unique existence. Your experiences have a history, context and future that can shed light help us all. And, writing is healing, a way to cleanse what feels wrong or right in your life. Once you tell me your story, we can work together to see what to do with it, if anything. On Your Autograph, you decide the parameters of how you want to share. Every single narrative I’ve ever heard is incredible and has changed my life. It will change yours too. You can help change other lives too.
I’m always surprised when people don’t want to listen others. I do. Tell me.
I can’t wait to learn more about you.
Coffee With a Racist
By Tony B.
This story reflects on a Saturday morning when Tony met a stranger at a cafe. The man admitted to being a racist. He said he lost the respect and love of his daughter. He wanted to change things, fix his past mistakes, growing concerned about his legacy at this late stage of life. Tony gave the gentleman a safe place to cleanse his guilt. We all should be thinking about our legacy before it is too late. Read the full story here.
The Real Castaway
by Edward L.
Edward spent years living on an island alone, a place with no infrastructure. He slept under the stars. In 2017, he survived hurricane Maria tied to a tree, battered and beaten, enduring hours of the Category 5 storm. He says that his hurricane survival is nothing compared to the rest of his life amongst drug dealers in the 1970s. He’s my uncle. He wants to tell his incredible life story of real survival.
Encouragement
by Andrea R.
Andrea lived with my family for part of her early life. We became best friends, the closest I had to a sister. Our lives went in different directions, but my mom stayed attached to her. I don’t know all that Andrea has been though while we were apart. I have my guesses. She is finally ready to tell her story, using her voice to help others. She’s freeing herself in this moment. She wants to encourage young girls to live their dreams without constraints, using the lessons from her life to grow.
