Recently I bumped into a disagreement. Since the second Bush ran for President the first time, I have been more inclined to speak my mind. There is no shortage of things for us to disagree about these days. My tendency is to let things happen. Not make waves. Let people have their opinion and not foist mine on them. But then came an occasion to speak my mind and truly try to help another out in the process. I knew what I had to say wasn’t popular, because other responses came in that, though they were heartfelt, just didn’t jibe with mine.
A sorority sister of mine recently turned 50 and consequently received the DOOMSDAY INVITATION to join AARP. She is horrified. “That means I am old.” Her response was to throw the application in the trash. “No way “ she said.
Time was, when I would let her be with that comment. Recently, on this Risk a Day blog I wrote about being able to say the words “I disagree”. So, emboldened with that blurb and perhaps my growth since then I responded to this. Here is my response: “Age isn’t really something that someone puts on you, it’s how you feel. Truth is: you get an application at a certain age. Enjoy the benefits and disregard what society tells you to feel about it. It’s up to you!”
I know I am not going to change the world with my opinions. The point is I am changing my world. I am still working on creating a friendship with the women who I disagreed with in the previous blog. I am still working on letting my voice be heard.
Turning 50 was a big milestone for me as well. My response which I shared with anyone who wanted to hear it was: “50 is gonna happen. You can either let it happen to you or you can make it happen.” I chose the later.
Alice Walker spoke this week at Georgia State University. She took questions afterwards. This was the last question of the day.
Q: How do you find your voice?
A: Everything has a voice. Everything has a voice. And when you realize that everything does… Every rock has a voice. Every river. Every tree has a voice. Everything does and so why not you? I think where we sometimes go off the track is when we think we have to sound like everybody else, instead of having incredible faith that the whole reason that you’re not like everybody else, is that you’re different and that’s wonderful!
In responding in an unpopular fashion, I risked being different. In the process I shared my voice. This is a new thing for me, and I like what I hear.
Betsey Brogan is on her way to creating World Peace - one massage at a time. On-site Chair Massage and In-Home table massage. Bringing Stress Relief to You.
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Yes, you DO have a voice! And what occurs to me is that we all have a voice even when we don’t speak it out loud. Silence, passivity, going with the flow… that is a voice as well. But what you remind me is that when I use my active voice, I have more choices and my truth comes through more clearly.
Amen, Betsey, your voice rings beautifully in my ears!