Delivering a message by voice
Author：minori
I am the audio narrator for the essays featured in the Mother's Day Campaign 2023.
The essays are presented in the Mother's Day campaign as an initiative that respects and celebrates the individuality of each single mother while promoting awareness of diverse lifestyles and families. This project involves active single mothers from various regions, participating as authors and staff members.
I have been narrating essays since the previous campaign, Giving December 2022. I am also a single mother myself.
I had some training in narration a long time ago, and I used to frequently read picture books to my children when they were little. I would showcase kamishibai (paper theater) at nursery schools and go to elementary schools for morning storytelling sessions.
Although I have had experiences like that, narration hasn't always been a part of my life. As my children grew older, opportunities to read books aloud diminished, and there was a period when I would only raise my voice when scolding them.
Work, household chores, and raising children, I would start various tasks but never fully complete any of them. I couldn't find the time to calm down and focus on one thing.
I tried my hand at work, household chores, child-rearing, this and that, but everything remained unfinished. I didn't even have time to calm down and face one thing at a time.
In the midst of it all, I encountered an opportunity to present essays created by single mothers through audio narration.
"I really want to narrate them! I want to give wings to the essays and let them reach far and wide. Please let me do it!"
While feeling anxious about the possibility of being turned down, my determination grew stronger, and I volunteered.
Fortunately, my heartfelt desire was embraced, and I am now able to convey the essays through my voice.
The reason why I wanted to read them passionately was because, in the previous campaign, I myself wrote an essay and through the process of collaborating with proofreaders and fellow writers, I once again felt the magnitude of the power we possess.
Furthermore, reading the well-crafted essays of my fellow single mothers also greatly inspired and encouraged me.
“No matter what circumstances we are in, I wanted to share the strength we possess as individuals and the remarkable stories of our lives with many people who have yet to encounter them.” That's what I thought.
When I narrate the essays, I let my thoughts wander into the emotions concealed within the words chosen by the authors. I distance myself from daily life and focus solely on the text and my own voice.
For me, who spends my days distracted by this and that, the narration of the essay is a kind of self-care. It's a precious time when I can clear my mind and truly concentrate.
There is nothing more delightful than touching someone's heart by doing what I want to do.
May the feelings of the authors reach you today. I am filled with joy to deliver them through my voice.
Call for Donations
Thank you for taking the time to read our essay. This essay was written by a single mother Mirui for the Mother's Day Campaign 2023. The Japanese non profit Single Mothers Sisterhood is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental and physical well-being of single mothers. Every year in May, we conduct a campaign to promote the importance of self-care and celebrate the diversity of families. Reading the essays written by single mothers allows us to appreciate the diverse qualities and characteristics that make each and every one of them special and unique. We would greatly appreciate your support. You can visit our donation page by clicking here.
よろしければサポートお願いします。いただいたサポートはひとり親の心身のセルフケアとエンパワメントの支援活動に使わせていただきます。