Baby steps for the guarded soul

When one appears estranged from their ability to feel, do not apply pressure

***

we all know the type...

strong-willed, focused, stern... secretly unsettled.

the ones who find difficulties projecting emotions,

like a persistent allergy who's only known

symptom is... avoidance. i aim to guide that

person through a more refined way. to allow

potential to surface without causing a

noticeable shadow.

*

Smile more—

even if your hardened ego protests against muscles controlling expressions, smile— it compliments character.

Laugh a little—

laughing in front of others is recommended when you find something humorous (versus pretending you weren't listening). shared laughter holds its own therapy.

Remember birthdays—

choosing to send a card rather than calling is satisfactory. a card can say things your mind is built to abstain from. if you don't believe mushy words represent you, choose a blank card. simply write, Happy Birthday inside—you will quickly gather the meaning behind the phrase: it's the thought that counts

Offer assistance—

you've probably missed a flurry of opportunities to help other's because it requires...well, helping—something that clashes with your personal mottos of non-interference. interacting in this way creates a clear indication of caring.

quit avoiding--

shunning reciprocal pathways morphs into silence, ends in misunderstanding and ultimately regresses efforts to maintain healthy bonds.

Learn the importance of feeling sorry—

the word -sorry- is a tricky slope. i cannot recommend the correct context in which it's needed. apologizing takes strength, not weakness. use it with purpose. mean it.

take advantage of the initiative—

you are a thinker. which means, you have the ability to know when the time is right. missing this opportunity may forfeit the desired outcome, leaving you regretting the act of inaction.

Learn to say it—

on occasion, you become faced with that one word (love) sitting idle on the tongue. whether it’s a daughter, an uncle or a loyal friend, saying it causes a gratifying reaction—you made them feel.

*

assembling words to lift the moment won’t

always align. the tongue may get held in

heavy traffic with zero navigation. but with effort,

you can say things without ever moving your lips,

allowing actions to sometimes do the lifting the

heart finds trouble naming.

*

Class dismissed...