Tell Me A Story

I had a date last night. Well, a girl's night out. Jess and I met for appetizers at a favorite happy hour place. Wings and wine totally hit the spot. Then we made our way to the museum for our first Story Slam. The night's theme was tradition and seasonally apropos. Neither one of us threw our names in the hat. Yes, there's a hat. I actually told my story in the car on the way to meet Jess. It was a good one, but I know Li Bien needs more practice and polishing. It was too long, there were too many pauses and the moral of the story was a little more heavy-handed than necessary, but it had good bones and that's a start.

The crowd was warm and welcoming on the bitter night for those brave enough to get on stage. There were nine storytellers. I liked a few more than others, yet they all had their strengths and unique appeal. A couple were more confessional in tone while others were comedic. A few had elements of both revelation and farce. Dangerous Santa won, but others could have. In fact, they all did. They were all winners for having the courage to get up there and connect us with their honesty, their vulnerability, their candor.

That's what stories do. They bring us together in the same way they have for ages. We listen and learn that the differences that separate or distinguish us are nothing compared to all the ties that bind. To be a good human is to come with an open heart and mind to understand, empathize, celebrate and support. We smile, we shake our heads in affirmation, we laugh, we cry. We say I hear you and Me too and You're not alone. It's a beautiful thing...a gift to hear and be heard...a blessing to share your story.