Show and tell...

Show and tell. This is something we did as small children when we were in elementary school. You would take a toy or some prized possession to class and show it and tell about it. I know I did this a few times in kindergarten, but it was many years ago (too many to count without giving away my age).

I believe (and this is just my opinion) that we did this as children to help us properly communicate with others. And as adults I believe (again just my opinion) we get lost in our hectic lives and just end up telling those around us things without showing them what we mean.

When telling good stories authors have to show their readers the story not just tell the story. Telling a story is just not enough. An author wants readers to see and feel the story they are reading.

A story should resonate in the heart of the reader. It should make you have emotions and make you think.

And no, this has not turned into a post about reading and writing.

However, this is a post about life.

Show and tell does not just apply to reading and writing but it applies to life. It applies to each of us in how we see ourselves and how others see us. It also applies in how we treat those around us.

It is easy for us to get caught up in the daily grind of life and end up taking people around us for granted. I know at times I have been guilty of that.

We tell people we love them. We tell people we care about them. We tell people we appreciate them. And the list goes on and on.

But is telling them enough? In my opinion, absolutely not!

I believe we need to back up what we are saying by showing what we truly mean. Showing them gives a bigger impact that will last much longer than just words. The showing and telling of how we feel should also resonate in hearts as every good story does.

“When in doubt, just be!”

~Heather Kinder