In times of uncertainty, I’ve been known to adopt a wait-and-see posture.
To sit on my hands in silence and take my cues from events outside of myself —
Listen intently —
Perhaps even nod my head —
Neither one way —
Or the other.
Chiming in, from time to time, with an uncommitted —
“Hmmmm.”
Quite safe as far as postures go —
Wouldn’t you agree?
Some might even call it —
Remaining open. Flexible. Ready for —
Anything.
Yes.
But.
It can also be limiting.
To myself. My relationships. And the greater good of —
Any unfolding endeavor.
When I refuse to add my voice —
There’s no chance for harmonization. No chance for a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts outcome.
And a high probability that my own growth will be stunted, bent passively under the emerging agenda’s growing shadow.
Sure, there are also risks with speaking up and taking a position.
Maybe the notes I contribute will be a bit too sharp for the conductor’s ear and I’ll be tossed out of the orchestra.
But it’s also just as likely that I could strike the galvanizing chord without knowing it —
Or that —
In the harmonization process, I could find myself happily —
Changing my own tune.
Whatever the outcome, I win.
I move forward together —
Or in search of the next set of partners.
But always with —
A strong and clear song in my heart.
Can you think of times when you perhaps prevented a relationship or situation from reaching its full potential because you refused to add your voice? Do you know why? What will you do to get clear, be heard — and attract the right partners and opportunities to your “heart songs”?
ORIGINALLY POSTED AUG 30, 2011 on everydayahas.com
JULIE ANN STEVENS 