the importance of being earnest
Posted in advice on 10/15/2009 12:54 am by verbal“Pray don’t talk to me about the weather… Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel quite certain that they mean something else. And that makes me so nervous.” Oscar Wilde
Many people have the tendency to skate the surface, to exchange niceties – to chat in mild words about the weather, when there is really a storm brewing underneath. Why not just take a deep breath, and spit out the real deal? Cut to the bone of the matter. If you are unhappy, or pissed off, or in trouble – throw it out there. Don’t cover it with insincere smiles and statements which use the word “fine”. Even in a difficult situation, earnest expression goes a long way.
I am happy to offer up whatever tunes I’ve got in the key of consolation, commiseration, or sage fucking wisdom – any time, any place. But I’m not a mind reader. I can’t throw down an answer if you never actually ask a question. I can’t repair a wound if I don’t know where it hurts. And even if I *could* read your mind, I wouldn’t do it – the empowerment which comes from speaking one’s mind is amazing. I believe everyone needs to discover this in their own way.
Ask yourself the essential question – if I can’t muster the courage to express my truth, then how can I expect others to respond with theirs? Like meets like. Bravery inspires bravery. Truth attracts truth. Kick down the door of meaningless pleasantries with the phrase “This is how I really feel”. On the other side, you’ll find a universe of freedom.
*muchlove*