Tone

I admit it. I love the internet age of instant communication. I love being able to "talk" to several friends at once in every medium from text messaging, to email, to Facebook, and Facebook messenger. 

Writing what I am going to "say" makes me really LOOK at what I am saying (at least most of the time!) How can I use my words to convey my message as I actually mean it, without the recipient being able to read non-verbal cues, or hear my tone of voice?  

Unless the person with whom I am speaking is a really good (in real life) friend, those words are best chosen carefully. It is easy to come across in type as judgmental, disapproving, or too "preachy." If the reader "feels" these in the "tone" of the message, hurt feelings, sadness, and anger can be a result. I have inadvertently hurt feelings on Facebook, because I rely a lot on body language, tone, and facial expression, and those can't be "seen" in the written word. Especially the typed word. 

There are some things that just need to wait for a face to face meeting. If the plan is to have a serious confrontation about a serious topic, maybe it needs to wait. I have seen friendships dissolve on Facebook that might have endured had the conversations taken place in person. 

Take that extra second to read what you have typed BEFORE you hit "post" or "send." 

You might be glad you did. 



 

Opinions (Rant Alert)

Everyone has opinions. Everyone has the right to his or her own opinion. Everyone has the right to express his or her own opinion. It may not jive with my opinion, but I try very hard to "agree to disagree" as much as possible. I am not always successful, but I am trying harder each day. 

What is so wearing is when people are aware of my opinions on key subjects, but feel the need to constantly belittle my opinions or to change my mind. I listen to my inner voice. I pray. And I research issues on more than ONE news site. 

A sad thing is that people who constantly belittle the opinions of others, often don't even realize they are doing it. Some people live to argue. That is great if they can find someone who likes to argue as much as they do!

I am not that person. You don't have to agree with me, but, realize that most my key opinions are not likely to change, unless I find good reason to change them.

                                                           Please.


 

Reflections

I saw this on a Facebook friend's wall and appropriated it for use in this blog post. I don't think she will mind. :)

The first part of this quote is what I am really focused on at the moment. I have come a long way with the boundary setting. As I get older, my time and energy are getting more precious by the minute. 

The bottom line is that I need to find a couple of more things to drop from my schedule in order to make more time for things I really need to do for my health and new interests. And, of course, my sanity (no comments from the peanut gallery!).


Of course, I am not going to cut church. Hermanville UMC and the people there have become very precious to me. I need my time with fellow believers. I need the sermons, prayers, and songs. I need time to be with God in a sacred space. 

I am trying to hold on to singing at the nursing home. I am quite fond of my older friends and have made new ones there as well.

I want to continue with my art, especially on a personal level. I am having difficulty finding time to do "my" art and this is frustrating.  I hope to hold on to at least some of my Senior Center classes. I admit that the difficulty of trying to find lessons that will please the more experienced students while accommodating the newer ones or the ones with physical limitations is getting overwhelming. I have been teaching for 5 years now and I honestly never thought it would last this long!

But, I also need more time to go to the gym. I need some time to travel a bit and visit family. I want to get more involved in political and social causes. And, I simply need more rest. 

I plan to spend the next few weeks doing some soul searching and praying. Hopefully, by the first of the year, I will have a game plan for making 2015 what I need and want it to be.