“Careful the tale you tell, that is the spell,...

“Careful the tale you tell, that is the spell, children will listen. ” – Stephen Sondheim

If you dont find this quote remarkable, read it again and come back to me.

Assuming we’re on the same page now, I’ll proceed: A child’s ear is a delicate one. It’s always open, waiting, listening and absorbing. I know this to be true. A 5 year old I kick it with has repeated a few or more things I’ve said, all of which I vehemently deny to his mother ever came from me. I’ve been thinking about it, and remembering things I was told or taught as a rascal myself. I can say with absolute certainty that I remember them better, clearer, sounder than what my roommate said to me literally 4 seconds ago. It was probably about the dishes, and I probably tuned it out. Don’t get me wrong, selective hearing is a skill, an important and vital resource in dealing with assholes, loved ones, and the rest of the noise.

Just think about it, think about those formative years and the magical things you were told, those ideas, the fantasies and the fairytales; they’re part of what makes us who we are. Everything we know comes from something we once learned. I hope you’re smiling at a memory, or crying at one….but also, I hope youre inspired, because as salty adults there is still a child in all of us, and we’re still learning and we’re still growing. There is something to be said for those who set an example, who share a bit of their hearts, a bit of their wisdom, and I think its about time we started listening again with the same awe inspired enthusiasm we once had.

This quote is also a cautionary one. My mother used to say to me every night before tucking me in “I love you the most” and I believed her. It was our little (HUGE) secret. I recently discovered she also loved my 3 other siblings the most and I swear I havent been the same since.

xo
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