The Last Handshake: Episode 1 Principle 1: Once Upon a Time

Summary

This article is about a story about stories, focusing on the first principle of a great story, "Once upon a time," using the author's friend Jim as an example.

Abstract

The article begins by introducing the concept of storytelling and the importance of stories in our lives. The author then shares the first principle of a great story, "Once upon a time," which has the power to transport the imagination to incredible places and teach life-transforming lessons. The author uses his friend Jim, known for his strong handshake, as an example to illustrate this principle. Jim was a high school principal and a personable individual who was remembered for his handshake. The article ends with the author inviting readers to join him for the next episode of the story, which will focus on the second principle of a great story.

Opinions

The author believes that stories are an essential part of our lives and can be used to teach important lessons.
The author believes that the phrase "Once upon a time" is a powerful way to introduce a story.
The author believes that simple things, like a handshake, can have a lasting impact on people's lives.
The author values the impact that his friend Jim had on his life.

Episode 1

Principle 1: Once upon a time A phrase that is so simple and yet so powerful. It has the ability to transport your imagination to incredible places, suspend reality and even teach life-transforming lessons.

Four little words. Four little words to introduce you to my dear friend Jim.

Once upon a time, there was a man with a BIG handshake, my friend Jim. When people saw Jim coming, they braced themselves, because they knew what was about to happen.

Whenever Jim would greet you, you knew to be ready because he was going to shake your hand. And when he did, it was like your hand had just been put in a vice.

I have strong hands. As an architectural illustrator, sometimes the drawing pen I was using would literally explode in my hand. My wife tells me my grip is pretty strong, but it’s nothing like Jim’s. He was known for his handshake. Jim’s handshake.

Jim was a high school principal. He was a very personable individual. As Jim shook your hand, he would look you in the eye and say, “Good to see you!”

I find it interesting how people are remembered for some of the most simple things. Something as simple as a handshake. That’s one of my lasting memories of Jim.

But there was a lot more to Jim than just a handshake.

Coming next: Principle 2 Saga I had known Jim for well over 40 years. I was just a boy when I first met him. He and my Dad were close to the same age. We didn’t see each other often but that did not diminish the impact he had on my life.

Can I send you something? Keep reading to learn more.

I’m Author, Storyteller, and Template Architect, Tim Maudlin. This story about stories was brought to you by the ACRONYM template.

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This article was originally published on my website at DoWhatYouCanNow.com

The Last Handshake: Episode 1 Principle 1: Once Upon a Time

A story about stories

Stories, the tapestry of our lives.

Episode 1

The Last Handshake: Episode 2 Principle 2: Saga

A story about stories

This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words.

If you have a few meaningful words to say and want to be a writer in our publication, visit here.