Say What You Mean...

Hey, guys.  Although Jason already wrote this, I had the idea, too.  So, I’ve mentioned honesty, but ‘say what you mean, and mean what you say’ is pretty bold, if you think about it.  You say, ”Oh, that dress is cute on you,” but when the lady walks away, you tell your friend, “She does Not need to wear that dress.”

Why did you lie?  You could have said something nice but at least closer to the truth.  Is it hard or embarrassing?

A lie is easier, maybe, but the truth is bold and genuine.

We-Jason and I-hear fibs All the time.  When we’re looking for a new caregiver, they might act super stoked to work with us, but then never show, never even call to say they’ve changed their minds.  Would that person want us not coming to their aid if the situation was reversed?  Why would they waste our time-and theirs-if they really did not want a job?

I have one friend, in particular, who I love to death, so I invite her everywhere.  Guess what, she almost always says she’d love to go, but, on the day of the event, I’m assured to get a text from her that she can’t go.  JUST SAY YOU CAN’T GO!

Another example, sadly, is my van.  A couple years ago, my beloved 1998 Dodge was remastered.  TYVM again, btw <3  So, the guy asked me how I wanted it painted.  I told him what I thought, and he said he could totally do what I asked.  Long story short, my old man (the van) came home, much longer than anticipated, and, although it is beautiful, it was Not as we discussed.  I was (and am) so upset and disappointed, and I have/will never recommend him to fix anybody’s car!
The list goes on, but why?

One of the central themes of my novel, The Howl, is say what you mean, and mean what you say.  Julian (main character) says, “Remember, in any situation, you’re allowed to say no, but if you say yes, then put your heart and soul into it.”  I truly believe that.  If I mean “no”, it’s okay to say that-if that’s what I really mean.  However, if I say blue, three, pancakes, yes-whatever-then I truly try to honor that.

I hope you do, too.  Love you.