To Speak or Not to Speak

What do you do when faced with the decision to speak up or not to speak up? Sometimes that is an easy answer...to be silent can say more than any words you use. I remember when my mother used to use that "look" ... it was something that I was able to replicate with my children. They always knew when they had pushed me over the top because there were no words, there was only "THE LOOK!!" If you are a mom, then you understand. I don't know where it comes from because I cannot duplicate it on command. It simply boils up from the bowels of my DNA and whap...it appears!!

Then there are the times when my mouth beats my head to the punch and spills (or spews) out my first thought or my first reaction.The realization of my faux paux is often slow but there is a distinct flavor that floats and infiltrates my taste buds. I am sure that you know the flavor to which I refer. It is leather. Sometimes, the taste is more like a clean shoe...too big for my mouth but not horrible and disgusting. Other times, the shoe has been drug through mud and other questionable things found on the ground. Really and truly disgusting!!

Then there is the time when I have the common sense to wait, to weigh, to respect the feelings of others, to moderate my own opinion and peacefully reflect on my heart and listen to my intuition and inner guidance. Then, when I am invited, I respond. That is when I find my most powerful voice. By the time I go through this process, I find that not just words but wisdom woven within and throughout, give meaning to what I have to say. I wish I could tell you I do this more often than not. This is a talent I am developing. In the meantime, pass me a little ketchup for my shoes!