Will It Improve The Silence?

“When do I speak up? I usually keep quiet because I tell myself that I need to process something first. But am I fooling myself?”

I get this question a lot. I’ve asked myself this question many times.

For those of us who are thoughtful, don’t really like conflict, and like to keep our own council, it can be confusing, and oh! So attractive to not speak up.

But there’s another way that is much more attractive: from Mona Simpson “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Does it improve upon the silence?

If what I have to say is true (versus my opinion), then maybe it’s worth putting out there.

Is it kind? Kindness can seem cruel if it’s something someone doesn’t want to hear. But if it’s truly kind, it will at least minimize pain in the long run.

Sometimes, even if something is both true and kind, it really isn’t necessary to say. If it really isn’t necessary, then maybe it’s more about us than truly needed.

Finally – does it improve upon the silence? Does it add something of real value?

Most of the time, it takes only a few seconds to determine all of these 4 points. If it takes longer, then perhaps that’s the answer.

Quote of the Week

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing 
and right doing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.

― Rumi

The power of introverts

Announcements

Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co . 

If you’re interested in the topic of avoiding burnout for people who do too much, you may be interested in checking out my youtube channel.