The Elevator

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Metaphors are powerful ways of communicating because they convey emotions, thoughts, feelings, concepts, values, beliefs and ideas in a way that the literal word can't.I have been accused many a time of 'not just saying it as it is' and speaking in 'riddles'. Taking the feedback on board, I worked really hard at being literal and more concrete in my communication style only to find that I was becoming less effective at expressing myself and more frustrated as a result of it.I soon realised that there was a place for analogies, metaphors and similes and not only was there a place for them but they were a very powerful way to express oneself beyond the literal words spoken. They were utilised regularly by politicians, business leaders, and social and religious figures.Another important conclusion I came to was that there are often many times in life when there isn't just a simple, literal definition or conclusion to things as it very much depends on your perception and perspective - all of which are unique. So the story, the metaphor or analogy, allows the individual to make their own connections and draw meaning from it.So why have I bothered to mention all this? Well, firstly, it helps to frame this book and its style so that you know what to expect and secondly, to encourage you to think beyond the literal and concrete in your communication with others.Think back to when you were a child, I'll bet there are some sweet memories of stories you remember hearing from parents, teachers and friends. Even simple nursery rhymes are short stories that impart a message and I'm sure you can still remember one or two of them many years on...Before language was codified, we told stories. Still today in many different settings and environments, stories are used to convey powerful messages. We all love a good story, so contained within this book is a series of very short stories that I hope will inspire some thought-provoking reflections.This purpose of this book is to stimulate and provoke you to think about life, your life and what is going on around you and how you're interacting with it.This book offers the metaphor that 'Life is an Elevator' (not a box of chocolates) and that you are either going up, down or staying where you are. The stories and reflections contained on the 'floors' (rather than in the chapters) of this book will resonate with situations that you will have found yourself in, just as I have, and will offer you some reflections, thoughts and challenges to help you decide how to use the Elevator.