I Don't Know What to Say

How many times this week have you stopped talking long enough to listen? Most of the time we are drowning in a sea of sounds, tugging at our ears at every chance of silence. All of us have had days where we just didn't feel like talking, or had no idea what to say. This is part of being human, but more times than not we replace our own voices with yet another sound.
Knowing what to say is not nearly as important as knowing when not to say anything at all. Having a personal relationship with silence is not easy, and can sometimes be awkward. Practice removing all sounds that you have added, the tv, the radio, your own voice. Step into the middle of the room, or in your backyard and just listen and breathe. Your surroundings will do all of the talking for you.

Forgetting to Remember

There are a lot of times in our lives when we can find ourselves around others who have lost sight of what is important. More times than not this happens in places where having focus is what's most important. Being around friends, family, or co-workers that will not do what they are supposed to can be frustrating, even infuriating at times and the end result is a burnt-out you.
It is easy to get wrapped up in negativity and "forget to remember" why we have chosen to make a difference in the first place. Constantly worrying what the other person is doing (or not doing) can inadvertently turn us into the very people we are upset with. Step back, take a deep breath, and let yourself be ok with the fact that not everyone will care as much as you do. Releasing others from our own expectations can be one of the most cleansing things you will ever do.

Remember, if you are the only one in the room that has acted with integrity, you are also the only one that can smile without being nervous. Enjoy the feeling.