In this blog, we receive an update from co-founder Michelle Carter-Foster. Michelle tells us about how Stozzys.com has evolved over the last couple of years and about the work we’ve been doing to help others experience the benefits of reading and sharing true life stories.
A few years ago, Derek Mace and I co-founded Stozzys.com, a true life storytelling platform which provides an online space for people to anonymously share their stories. Positive mental health and knowledge sharing is very much behind the concept, which was first conceived when I was seeking information myself on how to overcome the trials and tribulations that come with single motherhood.
It is our intention that Stozzys becomes a repository of true life stories written by people from all walks of life. Reading true life stories can be hugely beneficial in tackling loneliness, or confusion – particularly when faced with difficult personal circumstances. Knowing that another person has been through something similar to you, and learning from their successes, mistakes and life experiences can be hugely reassuring.
We recognise that there are immense wellbeing benefits to be gained not only from reading stories, but from writing them too. Sharing stories can be part of a therapeutic process. It can provide an element of confidence and satisfaction to the writer, when they know their reflections and learning can help another person.
So far, we have received an incredible selection of stories from a whole range of people from around the world – from the young to the elderly and on a broad spectrum of subjects such as how to travel without flying, how to support a trans child, overcoming addiction and much much more. We are incredibly grateful for these contributions and are excited to have such a fantastic mixture of true life stories for people to read and seek inspiration from.
With the help of an amazing team of volunteers, we also completed our first community outreach project this year. By inviting members of our community to share their true life stories with us to be posted anonymously on the platform, we were amazed by how humble people are. Many didn’t think their story was worth telling, despite this being far from the case. We know that there is value to be found in all stories and that they are a way for us to find connection through common humanity.
For the people working on the project, Stozzys has been an extremely positive thing to be a part of too. The community outreach project in particular was a rewarding experience for our volunteers, who were blown away at having the privilege of listening to and recording the true life stories of participants. Feedback from both sides was that true life storytelling was a great way to connect to others and in ways which may not always be possible in day to day life.
For those interested in knowing more about the types of stories we publish: stories can be written by anyone and about anything – whether overcoming difficulties, something really funny that’s happened to you, or anything in between. It is our hope that Stozzys.com can help people find connection, inspiration and put a smile on their faces, as well as making a positive contribution towards promoting wellness and tackling the mental health pandemic.
We would love for you to participate in the project through sharing your true life stories and to share your thoughts on our work so far. Originally inspired by the concept “a problem shared is a problem halved”, we now realise that Stozzys is much more than that. Our mission is to enable individuals to gain personal authentication, inspiration and advice through the sharing of true life stories.
If you would like to share your true life story, you can do so via the share stories page.
Alternatively, you can explore the Stozzys true life story repository via the read stories page.