Martie McNabb welcomed listeners to another episode of Things That Matter, a series dedicated to extracting the personal histories embedded in the special objects that fill our lives. This time, her guest was Alyson Wagner, a multi-passionate creative she’d met at the Everything Conference in Minneapolis (Aug 2024) —a gathering that celebrates people who refuse to be boxed into just “one thing.” Martie had been invited there to lead her signature show-and-tell experience, helping attendees spark deep conversation & connections through story-sharing about meaningful items they’d brought with them.

During the episode, Martie invited Alyson to share her own “thing that matters.” Alyson, who’d been actively working to rekindle her creative spark by inviting more art and inspiration into her life, surprised even herself by choosing not a family heirloom, but a recently discovered thrifted treasure. She told the story of how, after a coaching session encouraging her to find a talisman for self-expression, she wandered into the Austin Creative Reuse center (www.austincreativereuse.org). There, her eye fell on a vintage owl locket—complete with turquoise beads, her birthstone color. She loved not just the symbolism of owls as wise creatures, but also the locket’s mysterious, unknowable past.

Inside the locket, Alyson began tucking tiny affirmations she’d clipped from her favorite yogi tea bags. One had come to mean a lot: “Be fearless. Know that all will be provided at the right time.” Alyson explained that although the locket didn’t have a long history with her yet, it had quickly become a touchstone—something to ground her, help her slow down, and remind her to stay true to herself.

Martie encouraged Alyson to consider what she might want to happen to the locket one day. Alyson reflected that while she didn’t have children to pass it on to, maybe her best friend—who’d initially come to mind when she’d found the locket—might one day inherit it. Or perhaps, it would eventually return to a creative reuse shop to await its next chapter with someone new. Either way, the importance was in the story and meaning Alyson now imbued in it, regardless of its origins.

Toward the end of the episode, Alyson talked about her “Snail Steps” Substack blog, where she writes about finding meaning, slowing down, and recovering from burnout—a theme perfectly aligned with the gentle journey this little locket represented. Martie wrapped up the session, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own objects and the stories they carry.

The episode proved once again that it’s not the monetary value of our possessions, but the stories, growth, and connections they represent, that truly makes them things that matter.

Here’s a bit more info about my lovely guest Alyson in her own words:
I’m a day-jobber who’s always exploring something on the side. My current ongoing side project is Snail Steps, a Substack newsletter about creating a meaningful life one step at a time. I started writing this in 2022 as a way to process the mid-life crisis I was experiencing including exhaustion, burnout, and uncertainty about where to go next in my life. I decided I needed to go back to the basics of essential self-care and focus on what it means to be fully human. My hope is that through the writing of this newsletter, not only am I learning how to cultivate deeper connections with myself and the world around me, but also I am encouraging those who read my newsletter to do the same in their own lives. You can read the full archive and subscribe at alysonwagner.substack.com. You can also find me on LinkedIn and Instagram (@alysonimagines).

Looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com

Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨

If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/