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People pleasing
“I can’t give you a sure-fire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure: Try to please everybody all the time.” ~ Herbert Bayard Swope, American journalist One of the gifts of aging is the realization that we can’t please everyone. The journalist who’s famous for today’s quote understood that achieving success often involves taking risks. Whether we’re creating a piece of art or expressing an idea in print, we risk upsetting others if we rattle the status quo or challenge a tribal norm. Born in 1882, Herbert Bayard Swope was a famous war correspondent and editor of the New York World. He was the first journalist…
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Who are you, really?
“You are what you are when nobody is looking.” ~Abigail Van Buren Today’s quote invites us to think about authenticity. It’s human nature to present our best image in public, but being truly authentic takes self-reflection and courage. That’s not so easy. Consider all the photo-shopped selfies and stage-managed lifestyles that are posted daily on social media platforms. Once in a while, it’s worth doing a reality check: Who are you when nobody’s looking? ~CL
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Tackling fear
“Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would like to see you living in better conditions.” ~Hafiz There’s nothing like a breast biopsy — or any biopsy — to inspire a bucket-load of anxious thoughts. This week, a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound showed “abnormal” findings, which prompted the scheduling of the biopsy I’ll have at the hospital this afternoon. I’ve been through this in the past. For me, waiting is the hardest part when it comes to medical testing. So I was grateful to be scheduled so quickly for this procedure. Fear keeps me stuck in an endless loop of negative thinking, but positive action keeps me moving…
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What does that remark say about you?
“Words are the clothing of our thoughts.” ~Jonathan Swift Human beings aren’t born knowing how to filter unkind thoughts. Children are notorious for expressing brutally frank opinions on everything they notice, from bad breath to obesity. But if we’re lucky enough to grow up among responsible adults, we learn some basic social skills — including civility, tact, and diplomacy. These days, too many adults think it’s fine to blurt whatever pops into their heads. Political leaders, in particular, have mastered the craft of the blatant insult. If speech is the “clothing of our thoughts,” as today’s quote suggests, it follows that boasting, name-calling, and crude remarks all reflect the character…
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Confiding
“But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one’s deepest as well as one’s most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely.” ~Dinah Craik, British novelist It’s always wise to weigh our words carefully before we speak. We don’t want to spread harmful gossip or betray a confidence. We don’t want hurt or offend anyone. And given today’s volatile political climate, most of us avoid discussing hot-button topics when we’re unsure of someone else’s viewpoints. That said, I’m deeply grateful for trusted friends with whom I can speak “fearlessly” on any subject. As today’s quote suggests, we…
