24-7 Pure Awesomeness...

I start to wonder why I was content and what it was that made me so happy at a young age, even when I didn't understand half of my dad's stories in their entirety. Even now when I think about the tales of moby dick and cap'n Ahab, I get a little smile because they bring me back to when I was a kid again. And this made me start to think about why I liked the stories so much? And that's when it occurred to me that I didn't necessarily like the stories at all, but rather the story teller.

The story teller in this case was my dad, and it didn't really matter what he was sayin' or what part of the story he was talking about, but it was important that he was taking the time out at all to tell me one. And not only that, but he would tell the stories with vivid emotion and noticeably high differences in voice tone. He cared, and he was going to try and make me get 'into' his story, regardless of all the big words in that book which stretched far beyond my years at that time.

This act of telling a story, by my dad, would serve a far better purpose than only to entertain me at a young age before bedtime. I now know that it served a purpose to show me how to story tell and how use your hands, facial expressions and voice to get across your meaning in an extremely interesting way. It showed me that you need to believe in what you are saying, and to believe in yourself to best get your information across to your listener. Even if your listener is a 6 year old boy.

This lesson would be something that I have found is far more valuable now then I ever realized when I was 6 years old. I need to tell multiple stories to multiple people everyday, and because I had a great teacher, I can now myself tell great stories. Being a good story teller can help you in so many ways. Getting your point across has never been easier, and to be honest, telling stories is a lot of fun. I think I actually get more joy out of telling a story than the person listening to me that is laughing away.

You will come across many people in your life and you will find yourself in many situations where you will be listening to stories or telling them. These people will have interesting and unique stories to tell and you will learn and gain a lot from. And in this same time you will have many stories to tell as well and you will want to give your listeners the most information in the best possible way. So why not become a good story teller? Do your audience and friends along the way a favor and practice your story telling. You will be able to have that much more of an effect on your listeners and they will be greatly appreciative as well.

*raises glass of juice*

Here's to the story teller in you...

When we were children growing up, it was mom and dad who were there to 'ref' you and watch over us at all times. They made sure to pick us up when we fell and dust the dirt off. They fed us our favorite meals and told us bedtime stories. They told us when we needed to be home at night and what was accepted and/or expected of us at all times.. But mom and dad aren't around forever and there is a gradual weening period where we have to start fending for ourselves.

Some people start the road to maturity and independence earlier than others, but either way we all need to get there sometime. We all need watch out for ourselves and make the right decisions without the help of referees from the side lines. When this happens though is up to you, but either way it's inevitable.

Some of us flourish without people helping us while others flounder in the water, always looking around for the next helping hand, just to keep their noses above. I agree we all need help from time to time to get anywhere in this life, but you also need to be able to stand on your own two feet as well, even if it's only for a few minutes here and there.

There are many good feelings that come with standing up by yourself though. Like when you accomplish an extremely lofty goal after months of trying. You get the feeling of accomplishing something by yourself, with no one else's help, which is the biggest 'high' ever. It's like a splash of fresh water when your standing under the sweltering sun. It's great! And it makes you want that feeling to last and to come back again soon.. (and it will)

"Life referees" are going to always be there, but use them seldomly, and when you need them let them know you appreciate them. (For example: Mother's Day, I hope you all gave your mothers a call??) But more importantly show them that you can do everything on your own, and that will be the biggest reward you could give. And that's when this cycle starts over again....

As you get older and become a very active member of society and start your own family, you then in turn, become a referee as well and you will love it. (I know I am making up some new rules, Muwahaha) And you get to share your experiences with others and see the other side of the street. I can only imagine what a trip that will be.. haha!