When to Say More with Less…

Or saying nothing at all.

Eleanor Roosevelt said it best —

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

As much as I love words, I’d rather read them than hear them.

I’ve never been much of a talker myself. I find the act less and less important. In fact, I’m experimenting this week with not talking unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.

Because I seldom feel heard, this should prove to be an interesting activity.

I’m anxious to discover just how long it takes my husband to realize my lack of conversation.

Hmm…

This should be fun.

During my teen years, I tried hard to not trash-talk anyone.

So many times I forced myself to remain tight-lipped when my classmates complained about their parents. I loved (and still do) my Mom and Dad. I respected their opinions and words of caution, but there were times when peer pressure won out over sincerity.

And I hated that.

Gossip never interested me.

And, at this point in my life, I have NO USE for it.

I get a kick out of this realization since reality television is my latest addiction. Especially the social love-life experiments. I love that the Bachelor corporation provides senseless/trivial viewing entertainment.

Unfortunately, my parents have entered the life chapter of dementia.

Stories are repeated, again and again, wearing on my already limited auditory toleration.

It makes me mad. At the world. At the aging process. Sometimes, even at God.

I don’t want to hear the repetitions. But I don’t want the voices to go silent.

Lisa, Lady With the Cane

Lisa A. McCombs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on July 1, 2001, six months after the birth of her only child. Lisa fights the MonSter through writing, public speaking, and government advocacy.

To learn more about MS and its impact on Lisa’s life, check out her most recent book, Letters to the MonSter, now available on Amazon.

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