Do you know how Mamalode came to be? It is because stories saved me.
I had kids before my friends did. I started out my parent life feeling broken. I loved my son but had so many other emotions—fear, exhaustion, something akin to buyers remorse—that felt wrong. I was afraid to tell anyone what was happening inside of me.
The group of women from my birthing class started getting together. It was them, their stories, guts and honesty, that made me understand that I was OK. It fundamentally changed parenthood for me.
Since then I have been a passionate advocate for story.
Tell it true. Tell it brave. Tell it like it is. Tell it like you dream it could be.
This month our theme is STORY and our plea; to write your heart out. Why? Because your heart on the outside is brave as shit. Because your story might change someone’s life. Because your act of writing might save yours.
So do it. Do it now. Grab a pen, or a keypad, or a camera. Share your story. #writeyourheartout because to do so is the ultimate act of love.
We are beyond thrilled to partner with Submittable for this theme. Submittable is the online submission tool we use to power Mamalode. They launched about the same time as we did and we beta tested their software. Now they power submissions for some of the biggest names in the world. We couldn’t be prouder of them. They are a powerful tool for writers—wield your power well and #writeyourheartout.
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This month also celebrates our 2nd Annual BURNING (mini)VAN – an amazing event where we construct a full-size wooden minivan and YOU fill it with stories, words, symbols of what you want to let go of this year (guilt, regrets, wishes, losses) and then we burn it in a giant community event. This year we are also using it as a way to raise awareness for the Western Montana Suicide Prevention Initiative. Our home state has the highest rates of suicide in the country. If you don't live here or are able to travel to Montana please send your BURNING (mini)VAN contributions to:
Mamalode
Attn: BMV
1121 East Broadway #105
Missoula MT 59802
Or email them and we can print them off to add to the van: burn@mamalode.com
Also you can join our Thunderclap – a super simple way to add your voice to this important storytelling event. Thunderclap is a tool that is safe to use, posts just one time so that all of our voices ring out at the same time. It's pretty amazing. So are you.
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