#4 Be Honest

I have spent the better portion of my life trying to say things in just such a way.  So that I don't hurt anyone's feelings.  So that I look better.   For one reason or another, when things get sticky, I can twist myself into a pretzel trying to be a diplomat.

Some people love this about me.  Mostly they are the kind of people who don't want to hear the truth.

I am not talking about being mean or hurtful.  I am talking about speaking the truth - straight to the point, with no extra words attached. As kindly as I can.  Still - no matter how kind, sometimes the truth is hard to swallow.  I'm talking about taking my stake out of it, because it's not about me.  If the truth is hard to take, that's not my fault.  Especially if it is asked for.

There are times in life when people are put in our path for really specific reasons.  I believe this.  Right now, I have such a person in my path.  He is a mighty blowhard, and wants everyone to think he's smart and funny and capable.  I always think that if people annoy the shit out of me, it's because I'm recognizing part of myself in them.

If this is the case, I'm changing.  Right now.  Fewer words to say what I need to say.  I will do my best not to be exasperated at having to tell you something you should already know.

And I will spend less of my life thinking "why didn't I say something?"

#3 Stop Listening To That Mean Old Woman Who Lives In My Head

Seriously.  She clearly needs to get laid.  Or have a drink.  The only thing she can think to do is to tell me my ideas are no good, that I'll not finish, that others have done it better already?  What makes her such an expert?

I have too many ideas and not enough time, it's true.  I have romantic notions ill-befitting a nearly fifty year old woman, I'll give her that.  There are many, many, many people doing everything better than I, making more money, being more beautiful and desirable and delicious than I.  Still....

Still.  I will shut her piehole, or at least get better at ignoring her this year.  I will do things because I enjoy doing them.  If I don't finish, I have the experience of starting, of beginning something new, I will have learned something about myself.

I will take my place at the table of life and relish every last crumb.
What's that old woman?!  Lalalalala - I can't hear you...