Speaking Your Mind
You all probably think I'm the president of the fan club for "The Bucket List" (a recent movie)--but there is just something about that movie that touched me. And to top it all off, a John Mayer song that plays during the credits--"Say"--affected me just as much. If you haven't heard it, go listen to it right now on Itunes.
The movie and song both have made me think a lot--but here's where I've recently landed, thought-wise, from them. . . .
How easily do you tell a friend or someone in your family how thankful you are for them and for the good things they bring into your life. . . . for their character. . . for the way they make you laugh. . . for the phone calls and emails just to check in on you. . for the things about them that inspire you. . .
I've been pondering recently how it's easy to think these things to myself and assume that the other person knows how I feel--but then I realized how silly that is. . .
What is it that prevents us (me) from speaking my mind (in an affirming way?)
distraction and busyness
ignorance
fear
You may scoff at that last one, but stay with me here.
Especially with friends that we don't see that often or spend as much time with (those people who you really enjoy being around but life doesn't afford the opportunities to see them as often)--I think that sometimes, we protect ourselves by not telling them how much we admire them or how much they inspire us. . . because, let's face it, when we open our mouths and share our thoughts with someone, we're making ourselves vulnerable. . .and that can be a scary place to sit. . .vulnerability.
So, here's my challenge to you:
Think about someone you don't talk to as often or maybe a long-lost friend--or maybe it's a close friend or family member--or maybe it's someone you don't know well at all and would like to get to know better.
Think about that person and what it is that you admire or what it is that inspires you in his/her life.
Think about the last time you told them that--or if you ever have.
Pick up the phone, send an email or better yet--look at the person in the face and. . .
speak your mind.
The movie and song both have made me think a lot--but here's where I've recently landed, thought-wise, from them. . . .
How easily do you tell a friend or someone in your family how thankful you are for them and for the good things they bring into your life. . . . for their character. . . for the way they make you laugh. . . for the phone calls and emails just to check in on you. . for the things about them that inspire you. . .
I've been pondering recently how it's easy to think these things to myself and assume that the other person knows how I feel--but then I realized how silly that is. . .
What is it that prevents us (me) from speaking my mind (in an affirming way?)
distraction and busyness
ignorance
fear
You may scoff at that last one, but stay with me here.
Especially with friends that we don't see that often or spend as much time with (those people who you really enjoy being around but life doesn't afford the opportunities to see them as often)--I think that sometimes, we protect ourselves by not telling them how much we admire them or how much they inspire us. . . because, let's face it, when we open our mouths and share our thoughts with someone, we're making ourselves vulnerable. . .and that can be a scary place to sit. . .vulnerability.
So, here's my challenge to you:
Think about someone you don't talk to as often or maybe a long-lost friend--or maybe it's a close friend or family member--or maybe it's someone you don't know well at all and would like to get to know better.
Think about that person and what it is that you admire or what it is that inspires you in his/her life.
Think about the last time you told them that--or if you ever have.
Pick up the phone, send an email or better yet--look at the person in the face and. . .
speak your mind.
Comments
Thanks for stopping by! Just perusing your blog. What a sweet looking family you have. I think this post is such a timely one to keep in mind.
P.S. I lurrve Michael Buble and John Mayer.