Speaking your mind is easy. Speaking it tactfully? Not so much. Are you offended by the easily offended? Want to join the Victimhood Olympics? Once upon a time, we were able to differ and dissent naturally, openly, and even publicly. After all, don’t we all have different perspectives and points of view? Dialogue used to involve give and take without getting annoyed, angry, irked, and irritated with anyone who disagreed with us.
If you feel like you give up way to easily, go easy on yourself. The fact is that we humans are guided by what is known as the “pleasure principle.” We want instant gratification instantly. Then again, instant gratification is not soon enough. We don’t care to be part of the process. We simply wish to be part of the outcome. The truth is that when you delay that instantaneous and prompt pleasure, you can then experience long-term satisfaction.
What do we need to “live happily ever after”? And what is your journey between “Once upon a time” and “Happily ever after”? Some relationships start with “Can we talk?” and end with “We need to talk.” You don’t want to be one of those. If you bring tons of baggage into your friendship or love relationship, it may end up being a very short trip. Are you headed for troubled waters?
So, what are you afraid of? You know what they say: “You’ve never experienced true fear until a poster falls off the wall in the middle of the night.” You know, if people in horror movies just listened to me, they would still be alive. Yet anxiety and angst are currents that run through every one of our lives.
“Think positive.” Wow. Did you read the latest and greatest motivational, inspirational quote of the day? Imagine the finest, foremost, and first-rate scenario in your mind, and it shall come to pass. Believe it or not, positive thinking can even boost your memory. Y’all know I’m the kind of person who keeps things in a safe place – then forgets the safe place. My mantra is: “I came. I saw. I forgot what I was doing.” But truthfully, a positive outlook reduces anxiety, and even promotes physical health.
What does genuine confidence look like? Clearly, it is not something you simply have. But there is no doubt that it comes from within. Do you ever feel so insecure that you actually noticed your weak and wobbly attempt at pretending you were sure of yourself? Do you suppose others noticed, too? Egads. Do you believe that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to?