Who You Really Are

Isn't it funny how we inadvertently focus on what we think others think of us, rather than on what we think of ourselves. Isn't it strange how we try to be who we think others want us to be rather than who we really are. Is it no wonder that by the time we reach 70 years of age, we have become so full of pent up desires from not having said what we really wanted to say for the past 67 years, that we say whatever we feel like saying, or don't say anything at all.

On the other hand, isn't it refreshing to witness someone who isn't concerned with what others think of them. Isn't it wonderful to be in the company of someone who doesn't compromise their honesty and integrity while letting another person know what's really on their mind. In paraphrasing the words of the incredible Bernie Mac, "I say what ya'll are scared to say,"

I must add that we should be tactful in expressing ourselves, because it's not what we say but how we say it that's important. However, we shouldn't withhold the expressing of our true feelings because we think it will jeopardize our relationship with another. In reality, it's best to express how we really feel, because it's probably imperative that the person we're talking to really hears what we have to say.

We're talking to somebody who has food stuck in their teeth or a booger in their nose and we say nothing. We listen to one friend's incessant gossip about another friend and nod our heads in agreement, or add some of our own questionable information to the conversation. Then when we look in the mirror and see an obvious remnant of sleep in our eye, we wonder why nobody said anything to us about it. We hear that one of our friends talked about us like a dog the other day, and wonder how could they, we never talked about them like that. It's universal law ya'll. Participating in what goes into the universe, sets us up to receive what comes back.

The question is how willing are we to expose our true selves in order to be free of unwarranted obligations to others. Communication is one of, if not the most important of all our assets. Talking candidly about what we see, and how we really feel about it, helps us to empower ourselves and others to do what needs to be done.

I invite everyone reading this blog to comment on whatever I might say or have already said. By so doing, you will allow me an opportunity to reflect on both my assets and shortcomings, and give yourselves the chance to practice being 'straight up' with others. I suggest that we begin to no longer be afraid of telling our children how we really feel about the way they're treating us, and/or that we don't hesitate to tell our parent(s) the truth about ourselves and how we honestly feel about their behavior toward us (teenagers be tactful). More importantly, let's not cry or complain when we become the recipients of not so comforting comments.

We must give and accept constructive criticism, and we must do it with love. There's enough lies, trickery, and deceit going on in this world. Enough inhumanity, unfairness, and discontent. It's so important that we share our feelings, like one of my sisters did when she texted me early this morning to say I love you. But it's also a must that we put each other in check, and not allow mudslinging, backbiting, and expressions of malcontent interrupt the joy and peace that we all seek and are entitled to.

We all have God Given Gifts that are given only to us. Let's use them for the benefit of others rather than lose them in doing what we think others want. Let's be who we really are, and make this world a better place in the process.



Comments can be posted directly on this blog, and will be responded to in next week's posting, or they can be e-mailed to: grace.calvin187@gmail.com.