Talk About It

 ​I have heard it said before that life is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
I heard a variation on that the other day that I like too.  The person said life is 10% take and 90% give.  It was on a Facebook post.  The guy who said it was a taxi driver.  He was nearly involved in an accident.  Nothing happened, but boy did the other driver unload on him.  He poured out heaps of wrath and venom and yuck.  All the taxi driver did was wave and smile. The other driver then went off in a huff.  When asked about it, all the taxi driver said was some folk carry a lot, and are just looking for a chance to unload.
It so reminded me of when I cut off the taxi driver and was asked what sort of a moron I was.  That was a toughy.  I did not know what sort of a moron I was.  All I could do was apologise.  I really did not mean to cut him off. The taxi driver went off in a huff.  Really he had nothing he could hold on to.
 I have found that sometimes the worst thing I can do is open my mouth.  I remember writing a three page document and all the reader brought up was one sentence.  It was like they had seen nothing else.
Restraint can be hard, but sometimes it is the most powerful thing I can do.
Sometimes the intent is misunderstood either deliberately or otherwise.   I know that sometimes what I mean to say does not come out right.  Often I am looking for resolution rather than confrontation, but what I say in the first instance may not make that clear.  It is only when a matter is mutually discussed and the emotion is withdrawn that resolution can be found.  Easier said than done though.  We all have our own agenda’s.
There is a catch phrase that seems to be advertised again.  It is really important.  It is asking the question “are you ok?”  I am totally for that but I do think it matters that I am prepared to listen and put in time.
I really liked hearing about people that were out on the streets for a chat only.  Passers-by knew this, and some stopped for a good old chin wag.  In many cases it seems folk just need to know they are heard.  I just know that I am way more inclined to reciprocate, when I know someone has been listening.
Sometimes I think that is the best thing I can do.  Just listen. If I do have something to say, the opportunity could arise - but chances are it will not, if I have not listened first.