“That Little Girl” by Elizabeth Wunsch

           What part of your being is the storyteller? What part of you grabs hold of the story and propels it through your vessel, utilizing all your senses, and sends it penetrating the senses of the audience only to be bounced back at you to continue the circle of the story?

             For me, it is that mischievous impish little girl or should I say the essence of me that inhabits her. She is the one who  finds great excitement in little and big things. She is impulsive and rambunctious. Her energy is endless. And when moments of great sadness are encountered the essence of the woman in me tempers and assures that little girl that she is safe.

            I had lost this little girl for awhile. The deaths of many friends, the struggle to fight age discrimination in the workplace, the insidious crippling of care-taking a parent with dementia sent this little girl into hiding. Where things were safe. As a performer and teller I knew that there was a fullness missing. That special energy that moves me.

              Then one night, after a period of decompression after loss and great patience, that little girl peeked out. She tested the waters slightly and when given a second opportunity she came flying forward and took hold of the story and hopped and skipped and jumped her way through it, giving it new life. She wanted to be the teller. She wanted to be heard again.

             And so it goes. I intend to let her inhabit my stories or should I say, her stories. She will fill out the other arts of my essence, allowing them to take the lead when appropriate. But always peeking out to let us know she is there.

             Discover the part of you who wants to tell the story. Don’t censor it. Let it soar. Let your heart be heard.

 

 

 

Comments

[Myranette Robinson]

I'm glad the little girl is back. That's what got me into storytelling. I felt my creative side had gone the way of Rip Van Winkle. Don't let that little girl take too may naps ever again.

[Mo Nance]

Welcome back little girl. It's great to know we can bring back "great excitement" through storytelling!