Did you know that today, May 28th
is National Hamburger Day? Yes, there is such a day. It may not mean much to
you, but keep reading because there’s something special about a burger.
Think about it — everyone has their
favorite kind. Some like it stacked high with bacon, egg, and avocado. Others
keep it simple with ketchup and mustard. There are foodies who swear by a
perfectly sized, seasoned, beef patty, and innovators who say give me the vegan
black bean burger with spicy aioli on a pretzel bun.
What’s fascinating is that how
we like our burger isn’t just about taste. It’s about story. It’s about memory.
It’s about connection. That’s the power of food — it becomes the backdrop of
our becoming.
I still remember my favorite burger
growing up: the Lot-a-Burger in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The place wasn’t fancy. In
fact, it was no bigger than a living room. But it served burgers that, to this
day, are the best I’ve ever had. They were huge — so big I had to split one
with my sisters when we were little. It was a big day when I finally finished
one all by myself. A rite of passage. A declaration of independence. A
full-stomach victory.
The memory gets even sweeter. I
remember leaving school at lunchtime with my besties who had a car just to head
to Lot-a-Burger. We’d sit down with those giant burgers, the cut-just-right crispy
fries (not to fat, not too skinny), and a cold strawberry soda and think we
were on top of the world. My sister even worked there for a short time on the
malt machine— which somehow made it even more special. More ours.
I’ve spent years since then
searching for a burger that matched that taste. That experience. That feeling.
Because for me, that burger wasn’t just a meal. It was a moment. A
memory. A chapter in my story.
And you know what? You have your
own Lot-a-Burger story too.
When we talk about storytelling, we
often imagine it has to be something profound or life-altering. We think it has
to be polished and published. But sometimes, the most powerful stories are the
everyday ones. Like where you hung out after school. Or what your family always
ordered on a Friday night. Or what it meant to finally order a burger “just for
you.”
Our lives are filled with these
mini-memoirs. And the truth is, when you share them, people lean in.
Why? Because they recognize their own story somewhere in yours. Because we are
all walking timelines of flavor, feeling, and firsts.
Just like burgers have evolved —
from basic drive-thru fare to artistic creations with jalapeño jelly and wagyu
beef — our stories evolve too. They get spicier. Bolder. They reflect where
we’ve been and where we’re going. But the core ingredients? They stay the same.
Heart. Humor. Humanity.
Here’s what I mean:
- The Bun (Your Foundation): Every burger needs
something to hold it together. Your foundation is your “why.” Why do you
want to share your story? What do you hope it gives to others?
- The Patty (Your Message): This is the meat of
your story — the lesson, the moment, the legacy you’re passing on.
- The Toppings (Your Style): Are you funny?
Deep? Reflective? Raw? Your voice is the flavor that makes it yours.
- The Sauce (Your Truth): This is where you get
personal. Honest. Vulnerable. That little something that sticks with
people long after the bite.
That’s what storytelling does. It
feeds people. It nurtures connection. It satisfies in ways we don’t always
expect.
Now, if you’re like many of us, the
thought of putting your story out there can feel overwhelming. You may be
thinking:
- “What if nobody cares?”
- “What if it’s not important enough?”
- “What if I’m not a good writer?”
Let me tell you — those are fear
voices. And fear has a sneaky way of making us hide our most beautiful,
meaningful parts. But here’s the truth: people are hungry for stories that feel
real. They’re tired of picture-perfect. They want soul food. Something with
seasoning. Something that sounds like you.
You don’t need a ghostwriter or a
publisher or a perfect plan. You just need a starting point. And maybe that’s a
burger. Maybe that’s a childhood memory. Maybe it’s the reminder that food —
like stories — is better when it’s shared.
This week, I want you to reflect on
your “burger moment.” What food memory holds a special place in your heart?
What flavor reminds you of home, freedom, laughter, or love?
Then, do one of three things:
- Write it down — start with just one paragraph
about the food and the memory.
- Share it online — post a pic or a story and
tag it #MyBurgerStory
- Tell someone you love — stories are a gift.
Give one away.
And if you feel inspired to take it
further, start collecting these moments. They don’t have to be written in
perfect grammar or typed in Times New Roman. Just keep them. They are your
Lot-a-Burger moments. Your legacy.
Because one day, someone will want
to know where you liked to eat. What you laughed about. Who you loved. What
made you feel full — not just in your belly, but in your soul.
With love, blessings and flavor,
Dr. Janice R. Love
Founder, Pearls Perfected Institute
Helping purpose-driven people turn memories into meaningful content
