Welcome to The Blogging A-Z Challenge April 2012! Some of the most popular posts here at The Shellshank Redemption are the Motivational Mondays. So, after consulting the tortoises, we decided to make April our Motivational Month! Please join us for this (almost!) daily dose of alphabetical inspiration. We hope you enjoy it!
* BE WHO YOU ARE AND SAY WHAT YOU FEEL, BECAUSE THOSE WHO MIND DON’T MATTER AND THOSE WHO MATTER DON’T MIND. (Dr. Seuss) *
I’ve learned the hard way that there are people in this world who only like you when you do what they want you to, the way they want you to. I read somewhere that if you can’t say “no” to someone, then you can’t really say “yes” to them either. (Really think about that a minute. It blew me away.)
The people who truly care about the real you will accept the “no.” They probably won’t like it. You might have to agree to disagree. Everyone might have to compromise a bit to come up with a solution everyone can live with. The people who matter understand that.
It’s about respect, on all sides.
Great quote. We could do with a little honesty in our lives. It's sad that so often we don't feel we can say what's really on our mind for fear of offending. (And I mean when we are trying NOT to offend in the first place. Some people really do set out to be mean.)
ReplyDeleteAnd we should be willing to hear other people's point of view without judging or taking offense when no offense was intended.
Julie D - fear not only of offending but also of rocking the boat, of doing something different in a different way and it not being understood or accepted, etc.
ReplyDeleteI need to post that quote on my wall.
ReplyDeleteDana - me, too. :)
ReplyDeleteA-MEN!!! Great post!--It's a "Hell Yes!" to me!
ReplyDeleteI am definitely familiar with THOSE kind of people. And it gives me great pleasure to tell them NO. Every single time. Respect is not something I hand out freely. It must be earned and not too many people care to earn it these days, do they?
ReplyDeleteOh it bugs me so much when I see people hold back when I know they want to say more! Sometimes, it's necessary; we have to remember tact. But as a woman I feel like we need to make sure our voice is heard even if it's sometimes controversial. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
i love that quote! what a unique individual...we need a new seuss!
ReplyDeleteLisa - glad you liked it. :)
ReplyDeleteEmpty Nester - it doesn't seem like it, no.
Stephsco - when I say what I feel or what I need, my intention is not to hurt or offend anyone. It's to say here's my side/opinion/thought, what's yours, how we can meet in the middle, etc.
Tara - don't look at me! :)
I really need to tack some of these quotes up on my wall - thank you!
ReplyDeleteJess - maybe some kind of collage? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I've had my share of 'agree to disagree' individuals in my life...but then realized we disagreed on most things that were of vital importance; needless to say we are no longer friends. great post!
ReplyDeleteHello, Madeline! This is absolutely true. Great post! And I love that quote by Dr. Seuss. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week and happy A to Z!!
You can't go wrong with Dr. Seuss. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard for me to say "no" to people, but I'm getting better at it!
Tracy - thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteLaura - glad you liked it. :)
Julie - it's not easy but if you do it with the knowledge that you're trying to make yourself stronger, it helps. A little. :)
You're right, there's no way we're all going to see things the same. People who can't understand why you don't think the same way as them are some of the worst kinds of people!
ReplyDeleteOkay, is it weird that I've been dealing with this lately? Ugh! I so love that quote by Seuss though. One of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteNick - I'm learning it's about compromise and respecting others' wants, needs, etc while still balancing my own and staying true to who I am and what I want, need, etc.
ReplyDeleteLeigh - hopefully these words will guide you in your situation, at least a little. :)