“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
~ Robert Frost American Poet
The brilliance of this statement lies in its simplicity. In life, the best things, those that are true and real, are the most simple.
While attending a graduation I came to the realization that there are people in this world who really believe that they are smarter simply because they use big words. They are the same people who talk just to be heard. They love the sound of their own voice. They pontificate about their knowledge and insight, talking right past most of the people listening. When people make things complicated for everyone, it is usually because they are insecure.
Communication is about others understanding you. It’s not about the words you use or the podium from which you speak. The most important part about communicating is getting your point across so that the person listening ‘gets it.’ The other person needs to understand what you are trying to say. If I speak and nobody understands, what’s the point?
Life is precious and it moves forward no matter what happens. Don’t miss a moment. Keep things simple and enjoy your place in this world.
By the way, how’d I do? Did I make my point simply, or simply fail to make a point?
“If a man isn’t willing to take some risk for his opinions, either his opinions are no good or he’s no good.”
~ Ezra Pound American Poet
Most of you will not face a firing squad for simply having an opinion. Despite that reassurance, the greatest personal risk many of you will take is to stand behind your own opinion. Being willing to share your thoughts and face the potential of ridicule and rejection is hard. But as Ezra Pound said, if you aren’t willing to take a risk for your opinions, there’s a problem.
When someone says that they don’t share their opinions with others, I question their motives. Too often I find that people only engage in discussions about their opinions if they think that they can convince another to change their point of view. That’s ego and that’s not the purpose of dialogue. In ancient times people debated ideas openly and readily. Conversations were spirited and lively. Everyone came away more educated for the experience.
Don’t be threatened by ideas and opinions. No one has to agree with you for your opinions to be valid. Your ideas matter; so do those of the person sitting next to you.
Want to measure the worth of one of your opinions? Try to explain it. If you can’t do that, then you might want to rethink your perspective.
Get comfortable with what you believe and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts. You don’t have to convert anyone to your way of thinking for your ideas to have value. Take a chance. Be willing to risk for your opinions. You’ll be better for it. “Simplicity is the glory of expression.”
~Walt Whitman American Poet
Life is simple. We make it complicated. When we feel confused we attempt to confuse others. When we feel insecure we complicate issues in order to appear smart. When we feel alone we add layers and hide behind the complexities in our lives.
The purpose of communication is to be understood. If others don’t understand what you are trying to say, you’re not communicating. Adding layers to your message so that you say in 30 words what could be said in five isn’t smart and it doesn’t get your point across.
Interestingly, most communication problems begin when two people get so caught up in their emotions that they don’t hear what the other is saying. Don’t fall into that trap. Emotions are good. They have a place. But not in the middle of a dialogue.
If someone close to you doesn’t understand you, simplify what you’re saying. Take out the inflated words and arrogant posturing. Remove the layers that protect your emotions.
Want to simply be heard? Speak simply.
“Properly, we should read for power. Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.”
~ Ezra Pound American Poet
Reading is not just a way to pass the time. It’s a way to step into another reality. It’s an intimate insight into the mind and thoughts of another. It’s a way for you to collect power because ultimately, knowledge is power.
Read stories that move you. Read stories and let them move you. Don’t be passive about the experience. Let the ideas and arguments swirl in your mind like a hurricane.
Let the thoughts that come from reading engulf you like a storm. Allow actions derived from those thoughts to thunder their way into existence.
Words carry knowledge, wisdom, ideas, emotion; they are the precursor to action. Take ideas and run with them. See where they lead you.
Let words move you so that when you act, you act with confidence, conviction and passion. See words as sparks. Use them to ignite people wherever you go.
Read and let lightening strike.
“Our most intimate friend is not he to whom we show the worst, but the best of our nature.”
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne American Writer
Friendship reminds us of our basic need for connection. At our core we are social creatures and we seek the company of others. Some of us form friendships by chance while others seek out specific qualities in our friends.
Given the precious nature of relationships, you would think that we would treat the people we couldn’t live without like kings and queens. Unfortunately our closest friends sometimes become our lightning rods. We strike at them every chance we get.
While it may feel safe to share your frustrations with those you trust, it isn’t okay to lash out simply because you assume that they will forgive you.
Strive to give your best to those that are closest to you. Don’t let your friends and family pay for your frustration at other people’s actions or for uncontrollable circumstances. Give them the best of you, starting now.
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