Remember those AMAZING creations that offered us a “short cut” through some tough reads in school? Circa 1986 we used “CliffsNotes.” My boys used Spark Notes.
As we all know, finding short cuts to learning how to deal with life’s challenges aren’t easy to find. I heard something recently that stuck with me, and that was that the stories of others are really the “Cliffsnotes” we often need. Ah, what a great reminder…the power of storytelling.
I love good storytellers. Whether it’s a terrific author, like Salinger’s ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ covering topics of innocence, identity, belonging and connection – or my father, who spins some pretty amazing tales.
We learn from stories. Taking the time to hear both those younger and older than us offers insights into how to better make decisions and gain wisdom. I mean, why recreate the wheel if someone has walked the path, and can share an easier route?
It got me thinking.
Who in my circle may have walked a path I’m currently on? Who may have already experienced the hills and valleys and be able to offer some context, ideas or answers to the questions I face? (This of course runs the gamut from work to parenting to life…)
Who do I need to schedule lunch with to gain some perspective – some wisdom?
Who might you reach out to this week?
Let’s up our “wisdom” game this week and use the stories of others to help elevate our thinking!