I’ve always believed everyone has a story to tell.

Over the last nine years working here at the IJ, I’ve loved being able to tell them and showcase people’s unique qualities, hobbies or life journeys — like Marin’s Ed Healy, who waters San Anselmo’s hanging flower baskets while donning an Indiana Jones-inspired outfit; “Epic” Bill Bradley, a businessman-turned-extreme endurance athlete who pushes his body to its limits; and Che Prasad, a pathologist and musician who spends each Halloween season carving pumpkins based on musicians who have inspired him.

As life goes on, we experience a lot of similar things — grief, loss, joy and love — and while each experience is different, we can still connect through the universality of life. There’s something beautiful about that.

I know it’s not an easy task to do — especially in six words — but tell me, what’s your story?

Here’s mine: She told stories, including her own.

Please make it a six-word story, a personal short story, with a beginning, middle and end.

Make us laugh or cry or at the least feel something. For example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.

If you want your story to run in the IJ, please:

• Write “Six-word story” in the subject line

• Send one six-word story. Just one

• Include your full name and Marin town in the body of the email, no attachments

• Write your short story in the body of the email, no attachments

• Use proper punctuation and spelling

• Use sentence style in one line

• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story

Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by June 18 and look for it in the July 29 lifestyles section and online.

Recently, we asked IJ readers to share what they’d tell their younger selves. Here’s what they had to say.

Do not teach; attend law school. — Pamela Lunstead, Novato

Nightmares ahead, but heavenly dreams prevail. — Jenny Wood, Mill Valley

You’ll never recover from Daddy’s death. — Carolyn Golden, Fairfax

Talk much less; listen much more. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo

Worry not. You’re of divine design. — Marian Huntington, Novato

Believe in yourself; trust God’s plan. — Lucille Herger, Novato

Have more confidence; be less shy. — Michael Ardito, Fairfax

Never lose your sense of humor. — Diane Ryken, Novato

Overcoming life’s adversities builds your character. — Hank Simmonds, Kentfield

Pillsbury cabin; transported outhouse, forgot groceries. — Vivian Joy, San Rafael

Meanness never improves anything; choose kindness. — Jodi Freedman, Larkspur

Roman numerals less, metric system more. — Janice Kohnhorst, San Rafael

Enjoy your youth. Delay law school. — Aviva Boedecker, Tiburon

When opportunity knocks, open the door. — Ed Ryken, Novato

Become genuinely interested in other people. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera

Forget liberal arts; earn engineering degree. — Jim Koger, San Rafael

Don’t believe everything that you think. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael

Follow your dream: Get an education! — Gigi Zavagno, Novato

Find ways to heal your pain. — Evelyn Riebe, Mill Valley

Do not repeat my mother’s fears. — Carole Bonhomme, Greenbrae

Ditch those Tonette home permanents ASAP! — Doreen Malin, Ross

Develop, nurture and treasure your self-esteem. — Virginia Hehl, San Rafael

Have fun first; tidy up later. — Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae

Have the courage to just ask! — Gigi Bibeault, Terra Linda

Stop always trying to be perfect. — Phoebe Moyer, Greenbrae

Weave it all into your life. — Andi Fox, Terra Linda

Pursue my rock and roll fantasy. — David Leipsic, San Rafael

You’re fine just as you are. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City

Don’t let boyfriends stop you. Go! — April Orcutt, San Anselmo

It’s not about me but us. — Katherine Ware, Kentfield

Parents, grandparents tell me your history. — Diane Forster, Corte Madera

Best while young, enjoy great sex. — Joel Jutovsky, Novato

Dear girl, I’ll give you strength. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae

Learn and experience new things often. — Janet Lee Benjamin, Tiburon

Pursue health, flexibility and open-mindedness. — the Rev. George McLaird, Sausalito

Do you see me now? Exactly. — Claudio Benvenuti, Mill Valley

He who hesitates … Convince Antoinette now! — Ian Begg, Corte Madera

Don’t fall in love so easy. — Christine von Atzigen Sugrue, Corte Madera

You’re amazing! Trusted your inner wisdom. — Elaine Reichert, Santa Venetia

Work at library, meditate, imagine, dare. — Ron Skellenger, Woodacre

Go back to school — and finish. — Linda Moon, Mill Valley

If truth fails, try lying presidentially. — Tom Allen, Ross

It’s not you. It’s ADHD. Fixable. — David Rosenfeld, Mill Valley

Never ever disregard a friend’s intuition. — Bill Higgins, Fairfax

As Grandma always said, be sensible! — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley

Bet on the 49ers in 1985. — Dave Powell, NovatoHey you, you are OK! Relax. — Denice Barsness, Mill Valley

1967: Vietnam. One-way ticket. Canada. — Bruce Donals, Fairfax

Go to NYC; see what happens. — Ruby Unger, Mill Valley

When horse is dead, get off! — Helen Hayes, Ross

Have good times our Bible teaches. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael

Take advice from others. Be prepared. — Cece Jonsen, Novato

Seek light, and you will return. — Amy McNeil, Corte Madera

It is OK to be different. — Madeline Kellner, Novato

My heart knew better, oh well! — Mary Smith

Other people don’t define your worth. — Janice Kuhl, San Rafael

Don’t eat burgers in Costa Rica. — Victoria Worch, Novato

Walk slow. Don’t run through life. — Sharon Eide, Novato

Dude, why are you so upset? — Jon Fox, San Rafael

Worthy of love as you are. — Clark Grove, San Rafael

Ignore the haters; they’re only jealous. — Iris Meyers, Larkspur

Daily exercise and flossing are important. — Kathy Hartzell, Inverness

One life, don’t blow it, son. — M.S. Popovich, Napa

Speak! No need to be quiet! — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur

Oh, Canada! Something to think about. — Jane Mock, Novato

Fight back against bullies, leaf blowers. — Mary Geving, Woodacre

Everything is going to be OK. — Ann Carroll, San Anselmo

Ask grandparents about their early lives! — Ann Woodward, Greenbrae

Go for it. Don’t look back. — David Curtis, Novato