Daily Mood Quote
Day 189 – November 9, 2011
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of “crackpot” than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost.
~Chauncey Depew
Why is it an independent thinker, or a person who speaks their mind (often the truth), or an outgoing genuine, friendly, person is always perceived as difficult or challenging? Normally, I would not open the blog up with a question but sometimes material presents itself and you gotta go with it.
An unknown author said, “Speak you mind. Don't let anyone censor you. It's the best advice I can think of. Even as a teenager, I have always said what I was thinking and wasn't afraid of what others thought. Sometimes you have to express yourself with passion, no matter what anyone else thinks about it.”
I didn't write that quote, but everyone who knows me says this quote is a perfect description of me. I have always said what was on my mind, and I have heard my husband and others say, “if it's on her mind, it's out her mouth.” Friends have also said, “If you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask her.” Subsequently, I don't get a lot of questions. But, isn't this a good way to live, being earnest and forthright? Or should I change my ways and dance around the truth, like so many do?, Ooopps way too late for that, I'm set in some of my ways, not all of them (there is always room to grow), but definitely the ones that I think count. In my case being honest, telling the truth, even if it's painful is not open for negotiation...ever. Turns out, I'm not alone, there are more just like me out there. You see them everywhere, but so often they remain unseen and unheralded, because our culture has bowed to grandiose fabrication as the standard by which we live. Or did I say too much again? Seriously, I haven't heard a un-spun, un-hyped, straight up, point of view in so long, that I may fall over when I do. To quote airport Police Chief Carmine Lorenzo (played by Dennis Franz) in Die Hard 2 who said to Lt. John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) “Well I'm stunned, I gotta lie down!” We'll see. We'll see........
So back to the question. Why are we perceived difficult and challenging? I have a theory. Let me preface this with the theory is only my opinion. So take it for what it is; Folks don't get along with forthright people for a few reasons. First, because they don't want to be bothered; second because they have been sucked into their own hype, believing they are perfect and no one else could ever possibly have a better idea or point-of-view. We have become siloed unto ourselves and insulated in the comfortable glow of our TVs, monitors, Ipads, laptops and good old fashioned gossip. Perhaps its because we have created distance between humans even as the Internet has pulled the globe together. I'm not sure. I just know folks don't seem to speak up, or get to the point, or even bother to listen. And the ones that do, often find themselves passed over for promotions, a raise or written up because they spoke up. What are we afraid of? Are egos really that delicate, or are we just that stubborn? And of course, there is always another alternative; they're simply liars and don't want to be found out. Harsh, yes! The truth, also a distinct possibility!
I have to ask why being candid is such a lost art. Could it be the possibility that someone else might actually be brighter, or have a better idea? What's wrong with that? Wouldn't you want them on your side, in your corner? What does being siloed get anyone and what point is there to prove? All it does is isolate people from each other, even though they appear to be “getting along.” Let me tell you from experience, personal islands can become very lonely after awhile. So, if you are an outgoing, passionate advocate; a caring person and perhaps even considered brash (you may or may not be, doesn't matter) I APPLAUD YOU for being brave, independent and controversial. Our nation's founding fathers were too. Most of all I RESPECT YOU for being passionate enough to stand up and speak your mind. In fact, most of what is good in human history has come from those who dare to stand up and stand out. Good for you and thank you. It's good to know I am not alone, WOOHOO!!!!
How will you “speak your mind” today?
Tune in tomorrow to read the daily mood quote
Thank you for reading
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