I’m drawn to storytellers. Like the woman at the party who reveals an embarrassing moment for the sake of a laugh. Or the older gentleman who can pull you into his childhood with some well-chosen details. I firmly believe every human has a story to tell. 

Occasionally, I hear people say they’re boring or that nothing interesting happens to them and they’re bored.

 

My mom used to tell me if I was bored it meant I was boring. But I think being bored/boring has more to do with whether you are present in the moment. I’ve been working on reminding myself to pay attention to what’s happening right now. When I’m singing at the local brewery, I sometimes wander into thinking about my lyrics, what’s on tap, what song I want to do after the one I’m singing… right now. I do best when I am immersed in the moment of the song. It frees me to interact with the people who are listening. 

​

One night I got lost in thought while performing and I forgot where I was in the song. There was someone watching and singing along with me. Ordinarily, I would be tempted to make a wry face, but this person was so ‘in’ the moment of the song… and I was not. Rather than be upset with me for forgetting the lyrics to this special song, she helped me refocus by making eye contact and continuing the song with me. It was so generous.

​

I think we have an opportunity as story tellers to be with the people who are listening. Being present is the ultimate compliment you can pay another creature. Past regrets and worries about the future are the enemies of the 'moment'. Be present in life and I guarantee you will feel alive. And there’s almost nothing better to beat boredom.