Spoken And Awoken

It’s not difficult to see that – in so many circumstances – silence can be more damaging than verbalised disagreement.

Words can quite easily be used as weapons aimed to upset and disorientate their target.

But the lack of words means the conflict remains internalised, eroding both the confidence and the mental wellbeing of the individuals involved.

Communication is absolutely necessary if conflict resolution is the desired outcome. Individuals get to choose the path they want to travel and the direction they need to head.

When we converse, we hear what the other party is saying. More importantly, however, we hear what we are saying.

It may be difficult to accept the justification offered by others for what they have said or done but it can be extremely challenging to justify our own position, opinions and actions to ourselves.

Fractured relationships can be restored…but not without words being spoken. Opinions can be changed and attitudes altered…but not without discussion.

We live in a world where communication has never been easier and yet, all too often, we keep quiet withdrawing into what we hope will offer the peace and protection of our inner-self. In trying to avoid external turmoil we can create internal turmoil. We are left with no other voice to hear than our own.

Conversation is not everything but less than that is nothing.

We are responsible for the care and maintenance of our own mental wellbeing.

Part of that duty of care is to be kind to ourselves.

Talk can be cheap. But it can also be invaluable.