A New Story-a New Life! As we grow older, our positive drive forward slows to a crawl-sometimes even to a complete stop. We feel that there is little if no control of our life. We become just a character in the story instead of its author. Around 15 I became interested in writing, poetry and art. New talents were born and they became the biggest part of me. There was a freedom and escape from life's problems in being creative. This not only became a refuge but also my inspiration. I realized that I may not be able to author my outside world, but I can my inside world. Not realizing it at the time, this was the start of my journey to enlightenment and rebirth. As the kids grew up and I had more time, I focused on art and writing. Every year, instead of a card, I would create a Christmas story with illustrations. It was a big hit with family and friends. After years of creating these Christmas stories, I decided to put them together in books. I was now becoming an author in my outer world. I realized that becoming the author of your inside world will change your outside world. You are not stuck in a story, you can write a new one-adding to life and molding your rebirth. With every new chapter there is something added and something left behind. We can then look into our past and say, "That is just an old story, not today's story." Life is many stories not just one. Some are good and some are bad. Being the author, we have the ability to transform negative and hurtful experiences into beneficial lessons and add to the good ones which brought us joy. For myself and my children, stories had a stronger impact than instructions. They have a 3D quality lacking in direct teaching. Being less personal and more multifaceted, they open up imagination and expand consciousness. This was the way to share my life, enlightenment and story...becoming a storyteller. Becoming a storyteller made helping people fun. Besides the entertainment value, people were able to rewrite hurtful stories with a smile. A portal of creativity and enlightenment opened that they could now use in many areas of life both past and present. As one student put it, "Audrey, you rewired my brain!" As much as I enjoy art and writing, helping others through my talents brings me the greatest joy in life. The true meaning of life is found through the love and time we share, and it begins with your story. With love and appreciation, Audrey Lee