Although i’ve always loved writing, it was drilled into me very early on by my english teacher that since my Strictly Ballroom essay wasn’t bang on, i couldn’t pursue my writing. Since my essay didn’t appeal to the HSC marking criteria, i was, in her eyes and now also my eyes, a bad writer. After being so discouraged from these words, It took 7 bloody years for me to realise that i may in actual fact be capable of creating a piece that i could be proud of. All it would take would be persistence and a can do attitude. Now i write for myself, from my heart, passionately, in the hopes that people may connect with some of my words but if they don’t, it’s more than okay because writing is an outlet for me now and it feels damn good to get it all down.
A couple of years ago i was out at a bar and a boy came up to me and said ‘ew, you have freckles’ and just like that i would now spend the bigger part of 5 years covering every single freckle with a thick layer of makeup just because this boy’s words lead me to believe that freckles were a burden. For years, i had low self confidence and i’d take every single thing anyone said personally and It took some years to realise that actually, my freckles are great. I haven’t worn make up in a long while and now my favourite physical trait are the little suns kisses that are scattered over every inch of my being. For the record, i’m not against make up, i just prefer a natural vibe. Do whatever makes you feel happy and confident.
I write this to reiterate that words are powerful. Think before you speak. Are your words being used for the greater good? We’re all taught the ol’ sticks and stones yet its still important to take into account that not everybody may be as resilient as you. You never know what kind of day a person may be having, whether they’re feeling a little more sensitive that usual, what the nature of their reaction is or what sort of background they come from. So be soft in your approach. Just like words can be used in a negative light, they can also be used for the ever so sweet!
Give this a crack. Tomorrow morning when Sue, the wizard barista asks how your morning has been, throw ‘good’ in the bin and try using ‘swell’….then elaborate on why it is that you are so swell!
9 times out of 10 a response that veers away from the norm will lead to a fruitful conversation and you never know what could come of that…a sweet recommendation, an opportunity or even a new pal! If you respond with ‘good’, you’re closing off immediately. Don’t spend the next couple of minutes scrolling away whilst you wait for Sue to brew you that mean coconut latte.
Leave your phone in the car and make the conscious decision to give Sue the time of day. Tell Bill he’s lookin’ goooood. Be genuinely interested in Helens creative ventures. Tell that boy you dig what he’s sporting. Don’t hold back, scream it across 4 tables. If your gestures are sincere, they will bring huuuuge benefits! I promise you. A 5 minute conversation will bring more positives than a 5 minute swipe to your arthritic fingers.
I live by ‘If it’s on mind, it’s going to be on yours in 2 seconds flat’ and just this week, I’ve made 2 beautiful new friends and landed myself a sweet job just by starting a conversation and saying exactly what was on my mind at the time. What have you got to lose?
Chuck on a smile, stand tall and stay curious.