Stories We Carry: A New Monthly Storytelling Tradition
For those of you following the lunar calendar, this is the Year of the Fire Horse—a rare occurrence happening only every 60 years. It brings intense energy, passion, and significant transformation, often associated with bold action and cultural shifts. The Horse's freedom and enthusiasm meeting Fire's dynamic force.
And I'm taking that Fire Horse energy seriously. This month, I'm launching something I've been thinking about for a very long time.
Freedom? Fire? Story?
When We Come Together
One thing kept showing up for me last year: real change happens when human beings come together. Not in isolation. Not in theory. But in the messy, beautiful act of gathering and sharing.
So my words for 2026 are community and connection. And I'm manifesting this through storytelling.
Last year, I deeply engaged with the world of story through the Istoria Collective—learning the art and craft of narrative intelligence, attending storytelling events, and eventually telling my own story on stage at Tenx9 in Nashville alongside 8 other incredible individuals.
It was humbling. Nerve-wracking. And once I did it? I felt more present than I had in months. More alive. And unexpectedly, more stories started coming to me—experiences I'd completely forgotten, moments I hadn't known mattered until I spoke one truth out loud.
And I think that's what happens when we share. We don't just give our stories away—or embarrass ourselves. We discover more of them. We discover more of ourselves.
So, Stories We Carry is here—a new monthly storytelling tradition.
What It Is
Stories We Carry is not a performance or an open-mic night (I love those though!) This is a thoughtfully held storytelling experience where presence matters more than perfection. Where we gather to listen, witness each other's experiences, and create a safe space where stories can be shared with care and received with respect.
Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or someone who's never shared publicly before, your story matters.
In Person: Every Second Tuesday in Honolulu
In collaboration with and generous support from Aina Haina Public Library, our storytelling circle happens every second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Our inaugural gathering is on February 10th.
This Month's Theme: New Love / Rebirth / Renewal
Our first gathering invites stories about falling in love again—with a person, a place, a passion, or yourself. These are the stories of hearts opening after loss, of daring to trust again, of discovering unexpected connection when you thought that chapter was closed. Whether it's romantic love that surprised you, rekindling a forgotten dream, finding your way back to creativity, or the quiet rebirth that comes from choosing hope over fear—we want to hear about the moments when love returned and changed everything.
What did change look like for you? What love returned?
Three ways to participate:
Listen — This is where most of us will be, and it's a beautiful place to start. Sometimes the most meaningful participation is bearing witness to another's story.
Share — We're creating a carefully held space where every story can be received with the attention it absolutely deserves.
Connect — Whether you're listening or sharing, you're part of the circle. Through storytelling, we discover our shared humanity.
RSVP here—it's free and open to all.
Online: Wednesday, February 11th
Given the richness of the YelloBirdie community across the world, Stories We Carry also gathers online.
Our inaugural online event is happening on Wednesday, February 11th.
Michael McRay was so gracious to clear his schedule and make space to open our first online gathering. Michael is an award-winning author, guide, storyteller, and deeply attentive listener of the human experience. He's the founder of Tenx9 Nashville (the city's longest-running monthly storytelling event), and author of the new bestseller The Wild Way: Navigating the Space Between the Old Story and the New. He's brought his work to NASA, TEDx, and beyond—but more importantly, he understands the power of story to transform both individuals and communities.
I'm so honored he's agreed to join us (register to attend here)
The Real Cherry on Top
Storytelling circles only work if people show up—with their presence, their willingness to listen, their own stories held close.
I've witnessed what happens when people gather and share. The change. The connection. The way space shifts when someone speaks a truth they've been holding.
If you're in Honolulu (or visiting): Come to Aina Haina Public Library on February 10th. Bring a friend. Bring your story. Or just bring yourself and listen.
If you're anywhere else in the world: Join us online this Wednesday, February 11th. Share your own story if you're moved to, or simply be part of the circle.
Come as you are. Bring your curiosity, your presence, and perhaps a story that's been waiting to be told. We'll provide the space, the listening, and the warmth.
With much appreciation and loads of stories to share,
Olga @YelloBirdie