Speechless

Those conversations are the hardest; the ones where you have to be brutally honest — starting at the foremost with yourself.

It's easier to sweep things under the rug; "let's not and say we did," "why go there" "you're uber analyzing...these are "normal" issues...why bring it up?!" But these conversations are what makes us inherently stronger and more fortified for what's next. People don't hit the high notes without practicing the soprano...you have to push yourself to the maximum octave.

My friend recently told me how much she appreciated that I wasn't passive on her behalf; she was in a vulnerable state, and I had the "nerve" to tell it to her like it is; that she's selling herself short and will regret this decision in the long run. I was hesitant to say to her, who am I to make pseudo decisions on her behalf... she's an adult, more importantly, a thoughtful one...I know she doesn't make a move without both eyes open. But I knew, sometimes it's that outside person; albeit through a different pair of glasses that can see the picture more clearly. So I told her. She was angry at first. A day later when we spoke; she said something that meant the world to me, and thanked me for loving her enough, for being honest, even at the cost of not going along what seemed like a fun experience. Sometimes the #buzzkillRus are the ones who love us the most.

Telling a friend like it is, is never easy.

Conversations with an employer for (insert anything), e.g., vacation day/raise in salary are never fun.

Looking in the mirror with glasses ON and splashing cold water on your face physically and metaphorically and facing what needs to be done is a challenge.

Be honest with yourself. Truth and integrity to your intrinsic barometer of values will never leave you empty. You may feel depleted and will need to refuel with something full and fluffy (ice cream usually does the trick, as does giant Slurpee's and steaming cups of cocoa).

Have the courage to stand up for your convictions. When someone is silent, it is on par with agreeing.

People don't hit the high notes without practicing the soprano...you have to push yourself to the maximum octave.

I always thought of heart to heart as the harmony between desire and logic. Do you know when they say head vs. heart? I believe there are a certain yishuv hadaas when you have some time to think...hence the head rationally, and you can make an informed decision based on the direction your being pulled towards because of your heart.

My friend shared her list with me, and I was surprised. No not that list ☺️

Ask for a raise in salary, because you recognize the value you represent.
Say no to the opportunities that will hinder you from saying yes to those that are better suited.
Learn to raise your voice, not in volume, but in opportunity- speak up when you feel most inhibited.
Sing. Even though it's usually the circumstance that is a catalyst for feel-good humming, take the situation into your own hands- when you're feeling low, this is when the most will be reaped from the melody.
Pep yourself. Be your cheerleader, we all need one- so much of our intrinsic inhibitions start (and can end) within our psyche.
Know that sometimes silence is the loudest response.

So much is achieved through speech. The tone in which we say something can have two different connotations, this is why so much gets lost in translation through texting. It is legitimately one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal. Effective communication is the stuff diplomats are made of; world peace isn't just a lofty endeavor it's a feat that begins and ends through the power of speech; and when it's not so easy to be lofty? Sometimes you do need to put a chica in her place…and say something cheeky. It's okay to leave em speechless.