“Sometimes it’s better to appear a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
That was a quote my dad repeated often. Not in a derogatory
way, but he knew that I needed to listen more and talk less. I was the talker
in the family. My report cards from
elementary school always had a comment from the teacher about excessive talking
in class. I was constantly ‘shushed’ at
the library, so much so that I hated going there. Why would we all go into a room
and not talk?
While I’ve tempered my tongue slightly, I still tend to ask
questions, make suggestions without being asked and I usually speak up when I
should quiet down. While at a show recently, I suggested to the ring steward that
she move the final lineup of cattle to a different spot so that it was easier
to get a better photo. She refused. In
fact, she didn’t speak to me for the rest of the show. I told my husband about it
and he kindly explained to me that sometimes I come on a little strong. Years ago,
that would have crushed me, and I would have found myself bent over backward
trying to please her and apologizing profusely.
Today, not so much.
God created all of us with a unique personality and gave us
a spot on this earth with purpose and a plan. Some of us are talkers, others
remain quiet and pensive. Some of us
move in quickly trying to fix a problem while others stand back and evaluate.
Some of us like to share our opinions, while others would rather chase renegade
cows back to their pasture than speak their mind.
But no matter your temperament or personality, whether you
like libraries or get your energy from talking with crowds of people, your
contribution to this world is not only necessary but it’s expected. Maybe you
lack confidence and fear grips your gumption. Throw that fear off and do the
scary thing. Someone somewhere is depending on your fearlessness and needs
your influence. Whether it’s your
spouse, your children, or your employees, show up, work to your greatest potential,
and fill that spot created just for you.
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