World events suggest that freedom is a never-ending story.   How strange to take for granted a lifetime of freedoms while watching a TV broadcast of other peoples risking their lives for basic rights.

How will the drama in Egypt resolve?  It is an engrossing story.  Keep turning the page.

The story of freedom never ends because even for those of us who were born into or brought to a nation built on the concept of freedom may still seek independence of a different kind.

Is your mind free?  Your body?  Are you writing the book or song you know is in you?  Have you embarked on the creative journey of starting a business or relationship or even a personal evaluation you know is overdue?

Freedom is elusive; it drifts from our grasp if we don’t remain conscious of our choices, decisions and actions.

Sad to say, fear is a pernicious foe that quietly feeds on our personal freedom, imprisoning us with false information about risk and uncertainty and what others will think.

If the people of Egypt are brave enough to confront a powerful government, military might and fear of detainment and death, surely the rest of us in the “free” world can embrace creativity in new ways and deepen our understanding of the right to choose.

Embrace the suspense..  Story is an escape from hard fact and circumstances into the realm of possibilities.

Keep turning the page.

What a task!

In these troubled times William C. Taylor has taken it upon himself to convince us that these are the best of times to challenge and transform ourselves.

I was convinced a few pages into the intro wherein Taylor retells the amazing successes of Great Depression innovators who saw a unique opportunity in financial misfortune.

The co-founder of Fast Company also speaks truth to pussy-footing power when he illuminates how MISSING the boat is often a far more serious error than the risk of  SINKING the boat.  And he even makes a case, in a practical yet radical way, for ROCKING the boat.

At the center of these business stories is a case study of courage and creativity.  Can you really build and expand a multi-million-dollar corporation whose mission is to serve the poor — those forgotten souls with so little cash?  Yes, if you give it some thought and have the guts to go against the grain.

In short, Taylor tells us to be different with a passion and, in some cases, with a vengeance.   How often have we trimmed our sails (and sales) in an effort to conform?  Distinctions make a difference in all walks of life.  Embrace yours.

Read one of these remarkable success stories to a friend, lover, spouse, student — or to yourself.  Then ask, do these troubled times have to be scary, paralyzing or depressing?

The answer is in your own personal story — and how you express it.

Chris Singer’s Book Dads review of The Lake That Stole Children is a reminder that reading aloud is another powerful way to experience story.

When reading to a child, a parent can’t help but use expressive voices and, in a sense, “act out” the narrative.   This can be very entertaining to the listener and a lot of fun for the reader.  (Adults take note:  Several couples I know have read Lake Fable aloud to each other — just for fun — and thoroughly enjoyed the intimate experience.)

Reading aloud also captures the melody of language.  Words strung together become songs.  And songs stay in the heart.

But Chris goes further:  teachers and home-school parents might use portions of Lake Fable as a classroom play.  A dramatic presentation.   By allowing children to play the role of a boy in search of adventure, or a heroic sister who must defy her father to save her brother, themes and issues become visceral.   A strong way to teach values and the art of socializing.

Of course there are thousands of other good reasons to visit Chris at Book Dads.  Many book suggestions for teachers, parents  and children.  And community input that helps makes this world a better place.

Also, my FREE book Start a Conversation with Story offers suggestions for incorporating story into life.