I tell real life stories so you understand how I came to learn the particular lesson I am talking about. For example, I talk about my friend Shorty Lott and how he showed me the true power of laughter.
I met a guy in prison named Shorty Lott. He was about five-two, stocky with a flat top he converted to French braids. He had the coolest walk; it reminded me of those old school players catting down the avenue with their stable in tow. Shorty had the loudest most annoying laugh I’ve ever encountered, which distinguished him from every convict in the prison. 
It didn’t matter where he was in the dorm or where I was, I could always hear his distinguishable laugh. When I first met him he was a few years into his sentence with over 20 more actual years to go. Despite his situation he was still able to laugh. Laughter was his therapy and I never saw him mad or down trodden I only saw him in the best of spirits. –from 39 things about life I learned in prison: Turn my mistake into your success