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.
The Call to Speak and Serve
We are all needed.
Let’s not underestimate the ripple effect of kindness. Let’s not wait for “someone else” to stand up for what is right.
Because compassion is contagious. Integrity is inspiring. And values are the seeds of lasting change.
Together, let’s be bold enough to care. To be courageous enough to act.
And to be committed enough to build a world where justice and kindness walk hand in hand.
Have you ever had a moment where life stopped you in your tracks and whispered, “This is it. It’s time”?
For me, that moment came like a thunderbolt — the day my mom passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 73.
She was vibrant. A loving, kind, compassionate soul. My dearest friend, filled with wisdom and dreams of her own.
And just like that… she was gone.
In the days and weeks that followed, grief washed over me like waves. But beneath the sorrow was something deeper, something louder — a calling.
It was the realization that our time on earth is limited. That tomorrow is never promised. That the dreams placed on our hearts aren’t there by accident — they are whispers from the Divine, meant to be followed now, not someday.
In trying to make sense of it all, I found the book, Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley.
Or maybe it found me.
Dooley’s words have been like oxygen to my soul. He writes, “Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones.”
He reminds us that we are not passive observers in life — we are powerful creators. Dream-weavers. Possibility-makers.
And what we dare to envision, we are equally capable of achieving — if only we’ll believe.
Reading it was like having a conversation with the version of myself that had always known this truth deep down. The version who had put dreams on the back burner while life kept calling for responsibility, duty, and practicality. But after losing my mom, I couldn’t ignore the urgency any longer.
I began to ask:
What dream have I buried under the “somedays”?
What story have I been waiting to write, speak, live?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?
And so, I started to say yes — to bold ideas, divine nudges, and scary, beautiful leaps.
I stepped fully into my calling as a storyteller, coach, and difference maker.
I started writing books for children that spark compassion and courage.
I began helping other purpose-driven leaders share their stories with impact and authenticity.
I no longer waited for “the right time.” I made the time.
Because this is the art of living your dreams: It’s knowing that dreams don’t come with expiration dates, but we do. It’s choosing to act, even when the path isn’t clear. It’s trusting that the universe rearranges itself around the boldness of a dream pursued.
My mom’s passing broke my heart wide open — but in that open space, light rushed in.
A deeper truth. A deeper purpose. And an unwavering commitment to not just dream, but to live those dreams out loud.
If you’re reading this and you’ve been waiting — for the perfect time, the perfect plan, the perfect courage — let this be your moment.
Your wake-up call. Your invitation.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to believe that it’s possible.
As Mike Dooley says, “Your dreams are not here to tease you. They are here to show you what’s possible for you.”
So go ahead. Dream wildly. Live boldly. And write your masterpiece — one inspired word at a time.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your story.
What story do you tell about yourself, your business, or your cause? Is it clear? Is it compelling? Does it truly represent your mission and vision for the year ahead?
How do we unlock the power of a new year? I recommend doing that by stepping outside your comfort zone. You can choose to launch yourself into a new reality by working on your inner story first. Each day, I recommend taking early morning time to do some spiritual practice — meditate, visualize, journal…
To boost your inner strength, I’ve made a commitment to serve more difference makers this year. I’m planning to start a “Storytelling for Nonprofits” group coaching group in the next few weeks. It will serve as a guide and mastermind group to raise awareness, support and money. If that’s something you’re interested in, let me know.
For the next 30 days, I’m also launching a “Story Tips” challenge. Want to join me? It’s free. I’ll be sharing a quick 1-2 minute video tip on building your business through stories. You can choose to share a tip from your business, and then post it in the Facebook group too.
Authentic storytelling is not just something that comes from Artificial Intelligence. It comes from your heart and soul. It’s true to just YOU. Of course, artificial intelligences is terrific as an assistant and springboard for your work. But people also want to hear your inner stories.
And only YOU know all your stories and the lessons you learned from them.. waiting to be explored and shared with others.
To begin, I’d like to share one of my earliest memories that reinforced my joy of storytelling.
I’ve been immersed in the world of storytelling for as long as I can remember. My parents read stories to me constantly, and visiting the Chicago public library was always a treat. I loved writing poetry because it was a fast way to capture a moment, a feeling, an idea. Since I didn’t have paper handy most of the time, I’d scribble poems on paper napkins. When I was about 7 years old, I eventually got a small notebook, which became my poetry journal.
One of my early poems was called, “The Wonderball,” and I was so proud of it! My dad thought it was so good that it made me feel like a million dollars. It was a fantasy poem about seeing into the future with a magician’s ball. Now, many years later, I still love sharing stories in both my personal and business life.
Your Next Step for 2025?
Consider the story behind your “why.” Why do you do what YOU do?
Take time this January to revisit and refine your “why.”
It’s the foundation of a powerful story, and it will guide your goals for the year ahead.
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come.
What worked in 2024? What could have been better?
This was our year of traveling across the country — from Illinois to California — to be in a place where my husband Joel always wanted to live. He had always dreamed of living in California, and now we’re renting a home and “trying it out…” We’ve had ups and downs, but I don’t regret one minute.
It has been wonderful to experience a new place… and venture forth into a dream.
You deserve to take steps toward achieving your dreams too.
Take time during this holiday week to assess your journey. Doing that not only honors your efforts but also shines a light on the path ahead.
As you envision a bright 2025, remember — grow your business with your stories.
Your stories are uniquely yours. They set you apart in a world full of choices.
Sharing your story authentically can connect you to your ideal audience, build trust, and inspire action.
Here are my tips as you reflect on the past and step forward into 2025.
Celebrate Wins and Lessons Learned:Take stock of your biggest achievements and challenges in 2024. What stories shaped your year?
Whether you overcame obstacles or achieved milestones, these experiences are the foundation of your brand’s narrative.
Identify Your Audience’s Needs:Consider your ideal audience.
What resonated with them this year? Were there untold parts of your story that could better align with their values or inspire them?
Set Story-Driven Goals: For 2025, plan ways to weave storytelling into your strategy.
Create content that highlights your mission, showcases client transformations, and emphasizes the difference your business makes.
Amplify Your Reach: Use storytelling across platforms.
Write a blog, host video interviews, or engage on social media to share authentic, relatable moments that connect with your audience.
I have some surprises coming up for you in the new year ahead… so stay tuned!
Until then… Have a happy, healthy holiday season…. and know this — I BELIEVE IN YOU!
NOTE: Years ago, I got to hear the late poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou speak at an event. What a “WOW” experience! Her personal stories were riveting. The crowd hung on every word. You could hear a pin drop.
Did you know that Maya Angelou stopped speaking at age eight? She had been molested by her mother’s boyfriend. When Maya spoke up in court, that boyfriend went to prison. He was killed shortly after his release. Maya thought her voice had killed him, and she became afraid to speak. It took almost five years to eventually heal. Maya shared her story in the book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Ultimately, her voice became one of the most important voices in American literature.
Maya said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
As you take time now to reflect and embrace your story, you’re setting the stage for your own future growth. I’m happy to serve as your guide.
Let 2025 be the year when you bring YOUR story to life!
As we take the time to reflect on being grateful, I invite you to pause and reflect on being thankful for what you have.
The people you love. The trees and animals surrounding you. The food on your table. Whatever brings you joy.
As a gift to you, I’d like to share the meaningful wisdom of my late friend, Roland Takaoka, who passed away on August 23, 2018 from a fourth stroke.
Our friendship happened instantly — through the computer. Roland contacted me after he happened to watch my interview with a disabled speaker. Our first conversation must have been about two hours. We enjoyed immediate chemistry! I found an amazing soul, and even though he lived in California and I was in Illinois, we knew we’d be in touch all the time.
Roland became my technical wizard, the “Wingman” for my online interviews” and my website designer. He did so much for so many. In fact, he led three of his own online programs to educate, inspire and uplift others.
Roland was ALWAYS smiling! Always positive. No one would know that he sat in a wheelchair, totally paralyzed on his right side.
When he happened to share his manuscript about his experiences in the hospital and rehab institute, I saved it on my computer. I never thought to ask him about publishing it. I figured he’d just do it on his own. But he never did. His stories of transformation after his third stroke were so compelling.
I was completely shocked when I got the news of his fourth stroke. This time, he was in serious condition. His wife called me, and I immediately starting contacting his friends and followers online. I said, “Let’s do a Get Well Roland program!” Using Google Hangouts on Air (no longer around), I knew we could get about six people on the screen at the same time.
I wanted everyone to say positive thoughts and prayers towards him. If we all do that, I thought… perhaps we can help him heal. But this time — it didn’t happen.
He passed away three days later. I was devastated. How could that happen? Roland had promised me that we’d stick together. How could I honor his spirit?
I KNEW i had to publish his story. It wasn’t even a question. His book contained so much humor, joy and fun… along with his story of transformation after that third stroke.
So I embarked on raising funds to cover the costs. So many people helped support this project. “Roland’s Story: Inspired By A Stroke” is his beautiful memoir, with a forward from me and the closing from an interview with Roland’s wife, Barbara.
Even though time has passed since I created the crowdfunding video, this 4-minute piece truly captures Roland’s spirit. In gratitude to his forever friendship, I’d like to share it with you… along with his special message of, “You can make anything happen.” (Taken from a longer interview that we did together…)
To experience more of Roland’s uplifting energy, here’s our interview:
Last but not least, if you’d like to get Roland’s special memoir, go to Amazon: https://bit.ly/RolandsLink
If you’ve already read his book, and can post a review, I’d be most grateful. Here’s to each of you… with Roland’s message: “EXPAND IN JOY!”
With love & gratitude,
Lynn Sanders
P.S. For those who’d like to learn more about growing your business through your stories, you can schedule a complimentary strategy chat at: https://calendly.com/LynnSanders
For the month of December, I’ll be offering rates of 50% off in story consulting. Learn more about my services at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com
Imagine what it might take to be a champion for civil rights over a lifetime.
To live the values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To honor that spirit for peace and justice over 60 years.
To make a difference in the quality of lives for countless people across the country.
I made that champion a few decades ago. It was on a sales call, and I was immediately impressed by this man’s values, character, and positive spirit.
That man is Reverend Clyde Brooks, Founder/Chairman and Executive Director of ICDHR (Illinois Commission on Diversity & Human Relations). Through his leadership, ICDHR is now sponsoring its 55th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Dinner. After last year’s brush with death, Reverend Brooks has persevered to bring people of all races, religions and backgrounds together – to learn, get inspired and take action.
The year’s event takes place on December 14th at The Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, in Palatine, Illinois, and everyone is invited to participate. You can reserve a seat, a table, make a donation or place an ad in the program book. Deadline to register is December 6th.
This may be the final year for this historic Dr. King Remembrance Dinner. Approaching 90 years of age, Reverend Brooks reveals he is getting tired. Through his educational programs, speaking, training and consulting, Brooks has touched thousands of lives.
His outreach helped provide jobs for minorities. Opportunities for women. For youth. For those facing drug addiction. For economic development. For scholarships. For supporting law enforcement. He serves as a consultant, theologian and minister. While many don’t know him, Brooks is recognized throughout the United States as a human relations building scholar.
Funds from the Dr. King Remembrance Dinner provide college scholarships for deserving high school seniors. Notable past speakers included Andrew Young, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and past President Ronald Reagan. This year, the keynote speaker is the Honorable Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. There is nothing like this event in the country.
How did Reverend Brooks meet Dr. King? Initially working at a local YMCA, Brooks was assigned to be a “go-fer” for Dr. King and his family. He remembers picking them up at the Chicago airport, driving them to a rundown apartment building on Chicago’s west side, and taking them grocery shopping. Before long, Brooks was elected to the Board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the only organization that was led by Dr. King during his lifetime.
After Dr. King’s assassination, Reverend Brooks got even more inspired to become an activist. He knew Dr. King wanted us to live in peace and harmony. “Those who believe in God and His leadership understand that God has no color, God has no religion, God has no culture. He is a God for all times.”
Favorite message from Dr. King? “This is our minute in time. This is our minute to lead. Not to dream. But to act.”
What does he want people to remember? “I preach a sermon called, ‘The Dash.’ On tombstones, there is a birthdate and an ending date. If the date is not at the end of your dash, that means you’re still living. You’re in the dash of your life. The question becomes, how do we spend the dash of our lives? I hope that’s a challenge for people to reflect and act upon, and treat people right.”
To learn more and reserve your table or seats, visit: https://icdhr.org. There are also opportunities to donate, place an ad in the program book or offer a gift for the raffle. Flyer-KingDinnerFlyer-KingDinnerYour action makes a difference!
