With a warm cup of half-caff, a comfy spot next to my sweet Max, and a link to some type of media, the thoughts materialize and then vanish! They seem so profound in those first moments of inception, connections to myself and the world, a-ha moments, a brief look inward and sometimes upward to ask, “Are You trying to tell me something?”
I used to share a ton of my thoughts on Facebook, possibly until my friends’ eyes glazed over. (I still post there, watching my notifications like a hawk to see if a “like” or a comment comes in.) I used to have a greater circle of friends and coworkers to share thoughts with, more activities with face-to-face conversations. What I find myself wanting today is mostly an outlet and a landing place, perhaps a reservoir for the future.
If I am the only one who reads this, it is still worthwhile. Once I put it down on “paper”, those “thoughts like dewdrops” won’t be burnt up by the sun. I can save them to consider again. I can share them with you.
Who Am I?
By telling you who I am I am in no way inferring that we must have something in common in order for me to share my thoughts with you. Instead, I think I’d prefer that you not find who I am to be very significant at all, but instead, that my shared “thought-drop” might hydrate you in some way. Nevertheless, I’ll answer the question.
- girl/woman (I identify with the “girl” in me more than the woman)
- Christian (what does that even mean?)
- wife of my high-school sweetheart and best friend
- mother of 2 boys
- teacher, mainly of 1st graders but substitute and tutor to all ages
- University of Florida Masters of Education graduate
- middle-class, with an appreciation for the hard work of those who have gone before me
- Ohioan by birth, Floridian since 8
- lover of “little things”
- chronic thinker, impulsive, sensitive, curious, cautious, introverted, passionate, critical
- daughter, sister, aunt
- Mexican, German, Italian
- a rambler!
Can you say it in 30 words or less?
Don Hagen-neighbor
A person once said to me, “Can you say that in 30 words or less?” I was flummoxed. And insulted. And challenged.
That was a long time ago, maybe 10 years. I am still challenged and more conscious (self-conscious) of my words, but I continue to be interrupted, squinted at, avoided? because I can’t always get to the point in conversation. Summarizing is a hard skill for most. For those of us whose thoughts project like an artillery fern, being brief is hard work!
But honestly! Wordiness is everywhere. My own family members can fill time and space with words. People make fortunes just for filling the air with quips, tips, commentary and bluster. Unfortunately, as I have grown older, I have lost my tolerance for too many words. My own attention span behaves like a wiggly child on a church pew, pleading to be released. But, how could I demand word economy of others without asking the same of myself?
I decided to challenge myself to speak more concisely.
So I researched a bit, and here is what I found:
How to Be More Concise When Speaking-5 Actionable Steps
How and Why to Become More Concise When Speaking
The Best Public Speaking Courses to Improve Your Speeches
After reviewing these resources, I’ve considered trying the method of reading and summarizing for practice. Combining my love for information with my desire to share it with others, I’ve created a place to offload my thoughts while practicing saying less. I imagine the process will not be “pretty”, but what have I got to lose besides syllables?
Thoughts Like Dewdrops 