From The Storyteller
|
Nov. 4, 2019, Bread
The greatest thing since sliced bread, this is going to be a train wreck, she’s cute as a button, he has deep pockets, you’re a silly goose, hair brain idea, and looks like a million dollars are all phrases I grew up with. I never asked what they meant because “I knew” that “I knew”. I believed by carefully listening to a phrase and its context I’d understand the intended message. Unfortunately, this belief has some limitations. Example: I grew up knowing “bread” was either white or rye. Discovering Subway has 6 “bread” options, and that didn’t even include white or rye, was a real eye opener. At the time of my discovery I didn’t ask about the differences, because I felt there was no need to display my lack “bread” knowledge, and over time I would figure it out. I still haven’t. Which points to the wonderful mystery contained in words and phrases. I’ve spent a lifetime listening to people share their words, and have used those words to create pictures in my mind. The mystery happens because even the common word “bread” offers widely differing opportunities for mental pictures. Which brings me back to my belief's limitations and one of my personal challenges. I have in the back of my mind this crazy idea that, by admitting “I didn’t get it” (whatever “it” might be), would be a sign of weakness, and showing weakness is bad. This also explains why I never like to ask for directions while driving. Yes, I realize admitting I don’t know something and asking for help is actually a strength, but for me saying it and doing it are two different things. I’m really working on overcoming my belief because not asking, and guessing wrong, has left me in some real pickles. Moral: Communication is easier said than done. |