Have you ever realised that every single person you encounter is a walking story? Beyond the hellos and the blank faces there is a whole life, a wealth of experience- some to be forgotten but others to be learned from.

As a writer, I let my characters direct the story. But no created person can ever hold the complexities, idiosyncrasies and contradictions that a real one does. As I was cycling past an elderly couple earlier, the gentleman told me to slow down. I just smiled and said I couldn’t. But now I’m thinking that is exactly what we need to do.

When someone tells you the story they always tell don’t inwardly roll your eyes. Slow down and listen. It is obviously significant to them. Each remembered experience makes up part of their story. As it does for you.

I’m thinking especially about older people. I worry that so many of their stories will go with them; either because no-one has the time to listen, because they can’t remember them any more, or because they don’t think anything is worth holding onto. Only a week ago I heard a story that I have never been told before about my granny. And the sad thing is, she did so much in her life that most will fade away. Every person we meet is remarkable, if we slow down enough to listen.

Do you believe that you hold a story worth telling? I speak to my mum every night and I try to find something notable to tell her. It’s not easy, when life becomes a thing to get through, not to really live. So here’s a challenge for you- either collect a story from someone you know, or make your own.

Believing you are a story worth telling may well change how you live.