Everyone has a story: Learn how to tell yours
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
Everyone has a story worth telling. Our experiences, traditions and lessons shape our own lives – and also those who come after us. Older adults are no exception. In fact, they may have some of the most valuable stories to share.
“We were all put on this earth for a reason, and before we leave, we need to make sure that our story is passed on,” says Norma Thomas, Ph.D., co-founder of StoryJoy, Inc. and member of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s board of directors.
In 2019, Thomas and her daughter, Rania León, Ph.D., co-founded StoryJoy to help members of historically and systemically marginalized communities tell their stories. It is based on the idea that storytelling brings people together and preserves wisdom that might otherwise be lost.
To support this mission, Thomas and León started the Generational Archives podcast about family history and personal stories. The podcast shows people how to learn more about their families and encourages listeners to record and save their dividual histories. Participants were encouraged to reflect on important questions: own stories.
StoryJoy believes that sharing stories helps preserve a person’s legacy. Our experiences become part of history and help future generations understand their family’s values, traditions and life experiences.
Thomas encourages people to rethink the way they view ancestry.
Many people think of ancestors only as people who have died. But when we think of ourselves as future ancestors, we become more aware of the example we set for others. We realize that the stories we share today can influence future generations.
During Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Regional Conference on Aging in October 2025, Thomas and León led a workshop about creating personal archives and preserving individual histories. Participants were encouraged to reflect on important questions:
•What do you want to be remembered for?
• What values do you hope future generations inherit?
• Which stories deserve to live beyond your lifetime?
Our stories, family traditions, hard-earned lessons, values, beliefs and generational wealth cannot be bought or sold. They are among the most meaningful gifts we can leave behind.
Age futurism
StoryJoy is built on a philosophy coined by Thomas and León. Age futurism is the idea of creatinga future where people are not judged because of their age and where growing older is seen in a positive way.
Age futurism believes that every person has value, no matter their age or abilities. Instead of seeing aging as a decline, it views older adults as people who have wisdom, life experience and much to contribute to their communities.
“Even older adults who are physically and mentally incapacitated should be considered able to contribute,” Thomas says. “Their stories are vital so that we learn from them, avoid repeating past mistakes and understand how they survived adversity.”
Those stories often contain practical knowledge that isn’t found in history books. These include coping strategies developed through hardship, family traditions, home remedies, recipes, caregiving experiences and lessons about perseverance.
Even individuals living with dementia may have moments of remarkable clarity. While they may repeat the same story more than once, Thomas believes there is often significance in those repeated memories.
“If they’re telling the story repeatedly,” she says, “perhaps it’s because it’s one we still need to hear.”
StoryJoy’s emphasis on generational interconnectedness has resonated strongly with older adults, many of whom have become some of the organization’s earliest supporters, advisors and participants. Older adults have also played an important role in supporting the African American History and Cultural Center of Fayette County, Pennsylvania helping transform it into a destination that welcomes visitors of all ages.
“One of our most recent workshops focused on digital storytelling and technology,” Thomas says. “Older adults made up most of the participants.”
Thomas and León hope to see evenmore older adults participate in future storytelling projects. They especially welcome individuals interested in recording their stories through audio or video interviews that may be featured on their podcast.
What’s Next?
StoryJoy continues to expand its work through education, publications and community engagement. In January 2027, Thomas’ book, “The History of African Americans in Fayette County,” is scheduled for publication. Thomas and León also hope to present another workshop at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Regional Conference on Aging this fall.
León, an accomplished writer and educator, has authored several books, including “black god mother this body,” “Canticle of Idols,” “Boogeyman Dawn,” and “sombra: (dis)locate.” She is also the founding editor of “The Acentos Review,” an international literary journal dedicated to promoting and publishing Latinx arts.
Among her many civic and literary honors, León serves as the 2026-2027 City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate. In that role, she leads workshops, gives public presentations, and uses poetry and storytelling to connect people across generations and communities.
Tell your story
StoryJoy believes every life holds wisdom worth preserving. Whether your story is shared through writing, conversation, audio recordings, photographs or family archives, documenting your experiences creates a legacy for future generations. Anyone interested in learning more about StoryJoy’s upcoming programs or participating in the Generational Archives podcast can contact Norma Thomas or Rania León at storyjoyinc@gmail.com or 215-880-4718.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.
