Old Story to New Story: See the change

There were about 15 women, all ages and backgrounds, heads down in a St Vincent de Paul Thrift shop. I was doing my usual scan through the racks looking for a 60’s or 70’s style gem…one that wouldn’t make me look like I was there the first time.

The radio was on, as it often is, tuned into a middle of the road AM station – classic hits and a steady stream of talk back. I wasn’t really even aware of it until I heard the old 1960’s shock jock (still talking after all these years) say…

And in a few minutes we’re going to be talking about a new movie starring the Aussie lass, Rebel Wilson. You probably know her, she’s that funny little overweight girl who…

Funny little overweight girl? Had I really heard that?

I looked up in amazement and saw the heads of all the other women were popping up too. And then came the laughter… and we were all talking at once.

‘Did you hear that?’
‘What did he say? Little overweight girl?’
‘What year is this…?’

And then, still chuckling, back we went to our search.

Moments like these are gold. They’re a perfect testament to the power of a changing story. The DJ’s comments were so out of synch with what is now okay that everyone knew it. Even better, the story was so old that it wasn’t even threatening anymore. It didn’t raise our ire… simply our mirth.

It was as dated as the clothes on the racks…but without the style.

When a story changes for the better, we should take a moment to enjoy it. It can so quickly become the new normal that we can forget how far we’ve come.

A ‘Remember when…’ story session around old practice, old ideas and improved conditions is great for bonding and muscling up for the next mountain to climb.

We can be amazed when we re-visit what we once accepted as completely normal: either attitudes or shoulder pads!

Image by Michael Sauers