Last night at the library, Eva picked out a book of stories from Norway called The Troll With No Heart in His Body by Lise Lunge-Larsen. This morning I was flipping through it and read a bit of the author's note at the beginning. I was so impressed with her ideas about life and staying in touch with your feelings and modeling that for children. "Children's feelings are never misplaced in troll stories, and they soon learn to trust them." So refreshing after so many stories where the child in the end "admits" their feelings were silly or they were "just" scared or whatever hold-in-your-feelings lesson is being taught.

Then she went on to list fifteen lessons common to stories that she has noticed as a storyteller over the years. I added to them. Really, the first three sum it all up pretty well!

• Remember who you are.

• Be true to your own nature.

• Follow your dreams.

• Every action has a consequence, so be attentive, be kind, and always do what is right. (I would add do what is right for you. What you feel in your heart.)

• Life is a journey; nobody else can do that journey for you.

• Your journey will unfold according to a pattern. the pattern is a guide.

• Use your gifts.

• Help will be offered when you most need it and least expect it. (I wonder about this one being a storytelling device and a mindset and if maybe we could be open to help throughout our journey. Something to think about.)

• Despite the odds, good will triumph over evil, love over hated. (Choose love!)

• Don't ever give up. (Although breaks can be nice and sometimes help us see another more joyful path more clearly.)

• Be careful in what you wish for. (Or even- wish for joy!)

• Things are not always as they appear.

• Everything you need can be found inside yourself; it is always there.

• Miracles happen.

• There is magic in the world.