Thoughts – 2009

The Four L’s for Happiness

It would be rather unusual to talk with me at length and not hear about my friend Kathryn Tucker Windham, Storyteller – Selma, AL. It has been my distinct pleasure, and blessed experience, to be in her presence and to call her friend.

At the 2009 National Storytelling Festival, I delivered Ms. Kathryn to her Saturday morning performance and decided to stay and treat myself to a listen. As this ninety-one year old professional storyteller effortlessly navigated in and around one story and then another, I sensed I was in the right place in the right moment.

While I sensed purpose in that very moment, I was not completely certain what it was; until Kathryn began to talk about her father. Kathryn elegantly lives out the formula for happiness taught her by her father.

Listening
Honor the story of another – be a listener of that story. Intuitive listening opens the moment like nothing else.

Learning
In order to remember important things about another, you must listen deeply. Hearing their story creates connection that teaches.

Laughing
Be present with another person; being in another’s authentic presence gifts one with the confidence of good humor.

Loving
Love others for who they are. Tell them you love them and tell them often. In the three days of the festival, I am pretty sure Kathryn told me she loved me at least six times each day.

This was my attempt to define each of the 4 L’s as I think my friend Kathryn would. And I must admit now that I have done so, I have probably defined these more by how I see her live these out when in her presence.

I love you Kathryn.