Thursday, March 3, 2011
Spring Is Near
Can you feel it? Warm temperatures teasing their way into our days. Magical afternoons when the car windows go down and radios play a bit louder. Kids giddy with laughter as they break free from the shadows of winter and bound blissfully into the fresh air. Little boys inescapably drawn to the puddles left behind by yesterday's rain. Little girls in bows skipping rope and floating after butterflies. First blooms that feed hope back into our souls. Beautiful bursts of sunshine that make you put your arms out wide, lift your face to the sky and just breathe. It's coming...drink it in!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Good Luck Road Sign
As an admittedly awful driver with a terrible sense of direction, I had to share this.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dear Fast Food Drive Thru Workers,
Please SLOW DOWN!! While we all appreciate your quickety quickness, there is nothing more annoying than your aggressive, tag team, rapid fire launching of chocolate milks and diet cokes into my lap. I understand that you are under a lot of pressure to get me on my way in 4 minutes or less, but 4 minutes 30 seconds is still going to be okay...promise. The fact that I'm at your fine establishment to begin with is undeniable proof that my day is not going according to plan, so please help me out! Kthxbye, Shel
Monday, February 7, 2011
Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say!
Sounds simple, no? I think we'd all agree that this is a clear concept and a excellent example to live by.
But, is it really possible? There are so many ways to fall down.
What if you sing it in a nice tone when you want to scream it?
FAIL.
What if you skew your words a bit, in order to spare someone's feelings?
FAIL.
What if you do something you think is expected, even if it isn't a reflection of what you really mean?
FAIL.
What if you are afraid to say what you really mean, so you say something safe?
FAIL.
What if you plainly aren't sure what you mean, but you don't just say, "I'm not sure"?
FAIL.
I have a friend who believes in this concept passionately; and who admirably seems to be able to execute without exception. It's enviable, but I question how many people can actually accomplish it consistently. For someone like me with the gift of gab, this could be quite an undertaking. To give measured thought and ensure that the words spilling out not only reflect my genuine feelings, but are backed with the proper intent to action them as such. It's not just a matter of being honest. That would be easy. No, this is much bigger than that. This requires being truly in touch within to know what you believe, why you believe it and at times, holding still for a moment (or more) to figure those things out. We are conditioned to wear masks and hide behind polite banter or please people by telling them what we think they want to hear. This new slant doesn't mean being tactless or brutal or mean...just very purely say what you mean and mean what you say!
I thought this was a fitting first entry as I reenter the blogosphere and start sharing my thoughts with others. Today I've been inspired (okay, and a bit humiliated) into personally challenging myself to live by this mantra. No easy task as I'm a regular victim of each of the traps above. I know I won't be flawless, but I hope to get better with practice.
But, is it really possible? There are so many ways to fall down.
What if you sing it in a nice tone when you want to scream it?
FAIL.
What if you skew your words a bit, in order to spare someone's feelings?
FAIL.
What if you do something you think is expected, even if it isn't a reflection of what you really mean?
FAIL.
What if you are afraid to say what you really mean, so you say something safe?
FAIL.
What if you plainly aren't sure what you mean, but you don't just say, "I'm not sure"?
FAIL.
I have a friend who believes in this concept passionately; and who admirably seems to be able to execute without exception. It's enviable, but I question how many people can actually accomplish it consistently. For someone like me with the gift of gab, this could be quite an undertaking. To give measured thought and ensure that the words spilling out not only reflect my genuine feelings, but are backed with the proper intent to action them as such. It's not just a matter of being honest. That would be easy. No, this is much bigger than that. This requires being truly in touch within to know what you believe, why you believe it and at times, holding still for a moment (or more) to figure those things out. We are conditioned to wear masks and hide behind polite banter or please people by telling them what we think they want to hear. This new slant doesn't mean being tactless or brutal or mean...just very purely say what you mean and mean what you say!
I thought this was a fitting first entry as I reenter the blogosphere and start sharing my thoughts with others. Today I've been inspired (okay, and a bit humiliated) into personally challenging myself to live by this mantra. No easy task as I'm a regular victim of each of the traps above. I know I won't be flawless, but I hope to get better with practice.
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