General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAdvice from the fairytales
First, forget what you think you know from Disney--we're not all going to live happily ever after. It would be better if you are familiar with Sondheim--Into the Woods Act 2. That's where things get dark.
We have all gone into the woods. It is dark and there are dangers. Some of us aren't going to come back out. There will be losses. There will also be heroes and victories. Sometimes you have to do things you didn't think you could; sometimes you do things you later regret. But you have to keep going; the only way out is through.
But remember--you are not alone on this journey. There will be helpers--and you should watch out for when you can be one of those helpers. And there will be villains. Don't be one of them.
Yes, there will be obstacles--that's what the woods--the bad times--are. But for most of us, we will see the other side of the woods; the story will go on beyond. Trust yourself.
If you need to rest, remember that healing from wounds is something even the greatest heroes need to do now and again. And to borrow from another source, you can't drink from an empty cup--take time to refresh and refill as needed. (Storytellers borrow from a lot of sources--it's what we do) Reach out when you need to, pull back if that's what necessary. Again, trust yourself.
FM123
(10,050 posts)Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words in a post of encouragement from a DU friend to help us face the day.
It is an honor to be one of the helpers in the journey.
Wounded Bear
(58,440 posts)as a bit of a storyteller myself, i heartily endorse this post.
The wisdom of the ages is available to all.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)I'm a storyteller with only a virtual audience right now--normally, I would have had several gigs in March, but these aren't normal times. But the tales still need to be shared.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(175,698 posts)The times are very scary. Stay well!
Maeve
(42,224 posts)We are still dealing with dark ages---how do we find the light? The same way we did before.
BumRushDaShow
(127,312 posts)You see this theme appear again and again in literature and fables throughout history, and it reminds us that we (as humanity) have been there before.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)They were never just for children and they were always about life and the human experience.
BumRushDaShow
(127,312 posts)And I am always fascinated when you see the themes recur in modern media - whether on the big screen or the small screen. As a Trekkie, these sorts of themes were the bedrock of much of the episode and film story-telling of the entire Star Trek universe - both on the small screen (and what are now 8 series) and the films.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)You want some scary reading, get an unexpurgated version of their folktales
BumRushDaShow
(127,312 posts)and I think one of my former co-workers said she had been regularly watching that show!
Maeve
(42,224 posts)I've got three versions--the Broadway one (my favorite, but long), the movie version and a recording of a high school production one of my daughters was in!
backtoblue
(11,323 posts)Ty
Maeve
(42,224 posts)And yes, this is a shameless self-kick (but I'm also happy you liked it)
nolabear
(41,915 posts)One of the best things about fairy tales is they depict womens versions of the heros journey as well as the mens. (And I dont mean those of either gender cant undertake them, just that theres more than one way to journey and they are depicted in gender based ways).
Women leave the restrictive ordinary, journey in a similar way, but go inward and transform rather than outward and conquer. The things brought back nurture and create growth.
This we need.
Maeve
(42,224 posts)Too often, collections look just at the tales for the young...the ones that end in a wedding. But you can find tales of middle-age and elders as well, if you look. They speak to the issues of letting go and of finding contentment.
And folktales from around the world, not just European stories, can add a richness to understanding the human condition. I have a friend who compiled a "Cinderella" tale with bits from 20 different cultures--each with their own take, but the same basic concept.