My Father, as I have mentioned on this forum previously, was known for "telling it like it is". He rarely pulled his punches when asked about, or, found himself involved in a situation. I was raised by this man, so it seems inevitable that I should inherit at least some of this trait.
During his life he had been called insensitive, harsh, opinionated and rude. My Dad's argument was, "if you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask". As I have been called similar things during my life, I have to agree with him.
The old adage of looking in the mirror and suddenly seeing your parents looking back at you, is certainly no truer for me than now.
"The truth hurts", and "The truth can be a bitter pill, hard to swallow" are commonly used phrases that were first coined by far superior brains than myself, and have been used for ages past.
I strongly believe, and always will, that if someone close to you or close to someone you love and wish to protect, is screwing up their lives and dragging others around them down with them, it is my place to object. I will never be silenced when I see in plain view a loved one being taken advantage of. What kind of a man would I be to silently sit and watch when someone is being manipulated like a puppet for someone else's unhealthy habits to go unchallenged.
Often, it is a no win situation because even though my intentions are honest and I speak up to point out the obvious for all with blinders on to see. I am labeled the bad guy. "To harsh", "to negative", are some of the responses I get. Hmm Dad, sound familiar?
I also believe that old saying "It takes a village". If I have knowledge that certain people might be able to help a bad situation get better, either directly or by stopping someone else from enabling bad behaviour even if they don't know they are doing it, I feel compelled to speak and inform those people of how they can help.
This is usually looked upon as "telling a confidence" for some big secret that should never be kept.
Especially as some people are unable to keep their big mouths shut when told something in confidence.
Where is all this heading? you may well ask. It is impossible for people to change who they are at the chore. No matter how much one complains or tries to interact with common sense. As an outspoken, well meaning adult, I am fast realising that even the best intentioned will be ridiculed in their efforts to help those unable to be helped until they help themselves.
Will I stop speaking out and calling that proverbial Spade a Spade?
Hell no!!!! It's wired in my DNA to keep my dear Dad's legacy going.
So, if like me, you are a person that often finds themselves in the minororty because of you heart felt opinion and the need to voice them, fight on my friend, I am on your side.
Till the next time,
A fond farewell.
No comments:
Post a Comment