How A Photograph Can Create A Legacy Story…

by Lynn Sanders | Sep 3, 2025 | DMM Blog

Have you ever discovered an old ancestor’s photograph and wondered — what was that person thinking about?

What was their life like? How did they overcome obstacles?

After unpacking and repacking boxes for our upcoming move, my husband and I came across a number of photographs and an old suffragette card from his grandmother Fanny.

Wow! I was so impressed — Fanny was a suffragette! I never knew that. As I curiously perused photographs that I had never seen before, I thought it would be fun to experiment on a story — and partner with my AI friend, Chat GPT.

Together, we wrote this imaginary letter, based on facts, that Fanny really could have written to her sister, Bessie.

An Imagined Legacy Story In A Letter
(From Fanny (Schaefer) Schwarzbach to Her Sister Bessie)

My Dearest Bessie,

I hope this letter finds you in one of your better moods, perhaps perched near a window with a cigarette in hand, watching the world go by.

I always admired your independence — even if Papa didn’t approve of your beau. I still feel heartbroken that he was killed in that carriage accident.

Truth is, we both lived with more fire in our hearts than many knew what to do with.

I’m writing today not because I’m lonely — though I won’t pretend the nights aren’t long — but because I needed to put these words somewhere. Somewhere safe. Somewhere real.

Raising Harlan and Jerry alone after Louis left hasn’t been easy.

The decision to get a divorce was a hard one. Louis enjoyed traveling out of town as a salesman for a sewing machine company. I didn’t like having him gone so often.

We felt it was best if he went on his own. I didn’t know he’d choose to move to California.

While Louis keeps in touch with the boys from time to time, I know I’ve got to be strong inside myself.

Bessie, I don’t like the feeling of being divorced. Hardly anyone around here is divorced, and I think it’s hard for our boys. I’m doing the best I can, and I think I’ve been learning a lot.

What I’ve Learned As A Single Mother

You know what, Bessie? I’m not letting the status of “single” stop me. I’m telling myself that I can do it… and I do.

The boys need more than food and clothes — they need strength. Steadiness. Someone who believes in their future when their own father is gone.

Do you remember that card I kept from the Woman Suffragette Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska?

“Up with the Petticoats and Down with the Pants!” I can still hear the howls of applause. We meant every word.

And I’ve lived those words every day since — speaking up, showing up, and making sure my voice — and our voices — are never silenced again.

Even now, I find myself surrounded by good women. Strong women. Some widowed, some divorced like me — all of us bound by resilience. And yes, a few kind gentlemen have come calling.

I’ve learned that love doesn’t need a license to matter. And dignity isn’t given — it’s claimed.

We’ve been underestimated all our lives, Bessie. Yet we keep going. You with your books and students. Me with my babies and ballots. Maybe we didn’t get the lives we thought we’d have… but perhaps we’re living the ones history will remember.

So let the men scoff. Let them mock our petticoats or deny our place.

One day, stories like ours will be told — perhaps even from an old photograph, held by a granddaughter or great-niece, who sees not just our faces but our fight.

Write back soon. Or at least send a photo of those nieces of yours who always brighten up the house when you visit. And if you come by this fall — I’ll make your favorite appie pie and cookies.

And we’ll laugh like we used to.

With love always,
Fanny

P.S. Even though I’m keeping my married name, I’ll always stay a Schaefer at heart…

🌿 Reflection

P.S. This fictional letter is inspired by real vintage photos and artifacts passed down through generations.

Fanny Schaefer Schwarzbach, a woman I never met, left behind more than just images. She left behind courage. Resolve. And proof that our stories can live on — even when we’re gone.

📸 What stories live inside your family photos?

💬Have you ever imagined the life behind the smile? The silence?

Let’s preserve those legacies — one story at a time.

P.P.S. Ready to bring more of your stories into the world? Feel free to schedule a complimentary story strategy session at: https://calendly.com/lynnsanders

The Ripple Effects Of Storytelling Makes A Difference

by Lynn Sanders | Aug 18, 2025 | Personal Stories

I’ve often said, “Your inner story affects your outer story.”

What you say to yourself affects your outcomes.

Before we share a message with the world, we choose the meaning we give to our experiences. And I urge you — believe in yourself!

You never know what can happen when you choose to connect with people at a deeper level and share their stories.

When we tell stories, that choice fuels our tone, our courage, and our results. We don’t control every outcome—but we do control our perspective, and perspective changes everything. I want to share a story that carried many ripples — just through a spontaneous decision to capture a story.

It started when I met a fascinating man — Mac Davis from Nigera — who contributed $18 to my crowdfunding site. I was raising money to self-publish my children’s book, “Dancing With Tex: The Remarkable Friendship To Save The Whooping Cranes.”

When I noticed that Mac — a complete stranger — decided to support my book, I searched for his project and contributed back $18 to him.

Then — with my curiousity raised, I HAD to contact him to learn more. Since Mac lives in another country, we arranged a Zoom meeting — no charge. And it gave me a chance to see him — face to face. I was so impressed by his compassionate work to help others, that I decided to interview on the spur of the moment. I even honored him with the Blue Ribbon, “Who I Am Makes A Difference.” (You can watch that spontaneous interview here!)

That simple interview we did together set off a quiet ripple…

it helped open a door for Mac to receive 1000 Blue Ribbons as a gift!

To receive a Blue Ribbon Ambassador scholarship.

AND — best of all, thanks to generous sponsors from the United States, Mac was recently flown to the U.S. from Nigeria for several weeks. He was given the opportunity to be a featured speaker, and help men who had been in prison get inspired to live their lives positively. Mac became their hero!

One conversation… many lives touched. That’s the power of an aligned inner story resulting in an outer story that touches many lives.

If you’re a cause-focused leader—author, speaker, coach, or nonprofit leader—start by clarifying the story you’re telling yourself.

When your inner story is grounded in purpose, your outer story invites action, partnership, and real change.

When have you seen your storytelling create unexpected ripple effects that uplifted others?

I’d love to hear from YOU!

Contact me at: Lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com.

#StoryLeadership #CauseDriven #StrategicStorytelling #SocialImpact #NonprofitLeadership #AuthorSpeakerCoach #BlueRibbonAmbassador #RippleEffect #DifferenceMakersMedia #YouMakeADifference #MakeADifference #YourStoriesMatter

Birthday Reflection: Thank You for Being Part of My Journey

by Lynn Sanders | Jun 8, 2025 | Personal Development

Dear Friends,

As I approach another trip around the sun, I find myself filled with deep gratitude—for the people, the purpose, and the path that have shaped my life.

To each of you who has followed my work, shared my mission, encouraged my storytelling, or simply sent a kind word—thank you.

This past year has been one of incredible growth and transformation.

Through the ups and downs, I’ve been reminded again and again of the power of story—the stories that heal, the stories that unite, and the stories that ignite hope.

Whether you’ve supported one of my children’s books, participated in a webinar, received coaching, got promoted, or just read one of my posts—you’ve made a difference.

And that’s what Difference Makers Media is all about: lifting up voices, especially those working for good, and helping them shine.

I believe that every voice matters. Especially yours.

And as I step into this new year of life, I’m more committed than ever to helping cause-focused leaders, nonprofits, authors, and changemakers amplify their stories, grow their impact, and create legacies of love and purpose.

So today, instead of gifts or cake, I ask for this:

🌟 Keep showing up in the world with your full, beautiful self.
🌟 Keep telling your truth.
🌟 And never underestimate the impact of your voice and your values.

From my heart to yours—thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,
Lynn Sanders

P.S. Here’s my gift to YOU. I invite you to get my free Publicity Essentials Checklist: How To Become A Media Magnet and Make The Impact You Deserve. ENJOY! Even one of the tips can make a big difference for you. CLICK HERE for more information.

Why Your True Voice Matters in Every Message

by Lynn Sanders | May 21, 2025 | DMM Blog, Personal Stories

If you want to be efficient, it makes sense to take advantage of AI tools.

BUT – (and I say this in my own voice) — we still need to be able to guide, modify any AI tool, to fit into OUR voice.

True confession — while I adore my friend Chat GPT — I’m still in control of what gets on the page. And YOU have that same ability.

After all, there is only one YOU! So make sure your content sounds just like you.

I admit to using my wonderful assistant here, Chat GPT, to help me write this blog. I’ve named her “Rozzie,” after my mom’s nickname. But I’m also adding my own voice — and making sure that everything sounds like me. Can you tell?

In a world overflowing with content—emails, social posts, blogs, pitches—if you do what everyone does, it’s easy to blend into the noise. Your emails, posts and articles will sound like everyone else. People will notice that your words may not sound like you!

But if you want to build genuine connection, credibility, and trust, here’s the truth:

🎯 You must stay true to your voice.

Whether you’re writing an email, crafting a blog, posting on social, or recording a video—your unique voice is the thing that sets you apart.

It’s not just about clever copy or polished visuals.
It’s about authenticity. Tone. Presence.
It’s about making your audience feel like you’re speaking to them—not just at them.

A Personal Lesson in Connection

Recently, I posted a job on Upwork, searching for a seasoned expert to help promote a book to best-seller status. I was startled when I read some of the responses.

And do you know what several of the responses started with?

“Hi there!”
“Hey there!”
And “Hi!”

Not my name.

Not even a personal reference.

Can you sense my frustration?

Here I am, pouring thought and intention into a detailed job post—

And what I get in return feels templated, transactional, and… generic.

❌ That’s not how connection happens.
✅ That’s how you get passed over.

Why Personalization Isn’t Optional

Taking a few extra seconds to say someone’s name, refer to their work, or reflect their values shows you care.

It’s not just polite—it’s strategic. Because people buy from people they trust. And trust begins with realness. The words must sound like “YOU!”

Your voice matters. Your message matters.

And how you deliver it? That matters most.

Want to Get Better at Storytelling—The Real Way?

If you want to craft, tell, and share your story in a way that leads to real results—increased influence, deeper engagement, and aligned opportunities, I invite you to check out my self-paced program:

🎓 Craft Your Story for Success

You’ll get:
✅ A full video training on how to shape and share your signature story with templates and materials
✅ A bonus video program on how to network the right way
✅ PLUS an “Ask Me Anything” 1-hour session to get personal feedback

(NOTE: You’ll need to opt in as a “learner” on The Great Discovery platform as a customer.)

👉 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE COURSE

Or visit the “Programs” page at DifferenceMakersMedia.com

Final Thought

Bright smiling woman in a blue jacket at an outdoor beachside cafe with ocean view, wearing a colorful beaded necklace, on a cloudy day, promoting engaging community and coastal lifestyle with friendly atmosphere.

Talking to you from the heart during our time in California.

Because another “Hi there” just gets lost in the inbox.
But your true voice?

That’s what people remember.

#AuthenticStorytelling #CraftYourMessage #PurposeDrivenMarketing #DifferenceMakers #PersonalBranding #StoryCoach #LynnSanders #SpeakWithImpact

Why Our Values Matter More Than Ever

by Lynn Sanders | Apr 24, 2025 | Personal Stories

Growing up, I had plenty of lessons in the power of words.

My dad was a psychiatrist who raised my awareness about the power of the inner mind. I’ll never forget when he practiced hypnosis on me so I could think clearly before a math test. (It worked!)

My mom taught both Hebrew School and Sunday School, and gave us four kids unconditional love and a deep appreciation of a key teaching in Judaism — “tikkun olam.” It’s a commandment to “heal the world.”

As I reflect back, I’m award that above all else, we lived by a set of values.

Kindness. Respect. Justice.

If someone felt upset in the family, each of us was equally able to call a family meeting. We’d sit around the kitchen table, discussing concerns, and together, we’d come to a solution. We kids knew when we misbehaved, so we said our apologies. Likewise, if we were mad at a parent, we had the right to call a family meeting. We learned the importance of getting along.

Now, though my parents are now gone, my siblings and I are still close. We hold Zoom family meetings every Sunday morning, just to stay in touch.

What values are important to you? If family is important, can you make time for them?

In a world that’s increasingly divided by disrespect, what can you do to speak up for justice?

In spite of the upheaval around us, how can we exemplify the values of integrity, compassion, and unity?

Those values have never been more vital. When we toss away those guiding principles that anchor our humanity, we’re breaking apart the connections we need to one another.

When we live with values, they can change communities. They can change lives. And most of all, they can change the world.

Now, more than ever, we need every voice—your voice—to speak up and stand up. For justice. For equity. For love. While we’re witnessing a shocking disregard for kindness, empathy and justice, we must not take the easy route. Don’t retreat into silence. I ask you to be courageous. To live by decency.

I believe it’s not always the loudest voice that makes the difference. Instead, it’s the consistent one. The one that’s based in truth, humility and heart-centered love for humankind.

A Living Example of Unity in Action

Let me tell you a story of unity. It’s a powerful example of values in motion, based on an interfaith friendship that blossomed into action at the Texas border.

Four years ago, friends from three very different religious communities—my rabbi Bruce Elder from Congregation Hakafa, Reverend Jeff Braun from the Winnetka Congregational Church, and Asif Masood, from the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove—came together with one shared purpose: to serve.

United by compassion, they volunteered with members from their respective groups to bring meals and human connection to immigrants. These were families fleeing hardship, seeking safety and hope—people often met with skepticism or silence. But this trio of faith leaders and their flock brought something different: kindness, unity, and dignity. Those values are more needed than ever today!

Their collaboration wasn’t just about providing food. It was about feeding the spirit of humanity. As they worked side-by-side, their differences faded into the background. What remained was a bond formed through service—a friendship sealed by shared values and a desire to help those in need.

That story reminds us that when we step outside our comfort zones to serve a greater good, walls come down. Hearts open. And bridges are built—not just between faiths, but between souls.