Mindful Hack #89

Have you ever been surprised to hear that the way someone interpreted what you said was nowhere close to what you thought or felt?

Or have you ever met someone who seemed cool, confident and even aloof who then surprised you by being sensitive?

We are each a unique and complex combination of values, beliefs, personality traits and experiences. Our perspectives and interpretations are coloured by all of that in addition to our physical and emotional states and the way the wind is blowing...

Very recently, I said something that was perceived as... abrupt. And when I reflect, without ego, on my delivery vs. how I felt, it was abrupt! I blurted out a half-baked thought that really should not have been shared until I considered what I wanted to convey and maybe even how to say it in a way that wouldn't be offensive. But I didn't. And I like to talk about "mindfulness." HA!

On the bright side, my own blunders are great reminders to check myself, often, in the hopes of doing better next time.

I'd say it's always worth taking a second to look at the ways we behave, and the words and tone we choose, to ensure they're aligned with what we really mean. At least it is for me. 😊