One thing that I constantly struggle with is having something to say and not saying anything at all. I go day by day with different thoughts swimming through my head and never speak up or voice my opinion. Whether it's constructive criticism, a new idea, commentary, maybe a fact that I know is right, or just my own personal thoughts on something, I'm always scared to speak up in fear of either being wrong or starting conflict. Sometimes the words I hold back are million dollar value and could be used to build someone up. Why wouldn't I say them? How do I know when to say how I actually feel? When is it OK to voice my opinion? Do people care what I have to say?
Words can be great, but they can also be the worst things in the world. There have been times that I got so angry that I ranted and blew up saying a bunch of mean things that I instantly regretted. If I've learned anything about words in my life, it's that you should use them for good. Like what's the point of wasting your breath to intentionally bring someone down? I for one have been hurt by words before. I've been crushed and my world has been torn apart by hearing things I never thought I would hear as well as saying things that never should've crossed my mind. There are just as many words that can shrink you making you feel so small inside as there are words that can bring you to cloud nine.
Another thing I've learned is that if you know what you need to say, say it. Something that all of mankind partakes in is the fear of saying, or not saying, the right thing at the right time. Each and every day, I stop myself from voicing opinions dear to my heart just because I'm scared. There have been times that I knew what I wanted / needed to say, and you know what? I held it in.
My dad used to always say, "If you don't ask, you don't get." Simple words that as a little girl I used to just get what I want. I took that phrase and ran my own direction with it figuring I would just ask for whatever I wanted because it was worth a shot. What I later realized was the true meaning of those words. If you don't go out of your own personal comfort zone to strive for what you're passionate about, there will never be a chance to get it.
"I love you" and "I'm sorry" are the two most important phrases if you ask me. Both of these have the ability to make or break a person, whether you are saying or hearing it. These words can shatter you, but they can also make you feel whole again. I think this is absolutely absurd. It's so crazy to me how one word, two words or three words can change everything about a person and turn their life around.
"I love you." If you are truly, head over heels, would do absolutely anything for, completely and utterly in love with someone, then tell them. If you don't, then you have to live in regret wondering if they felt the same about you, curious about what could've been.
"I'm sorry." Why do you need to say these words to someone? Did you intentionally hurt them? Maybe on accident? Didn't stand up for them? Turned your back on them? No matter the reason for an apology, do it, because whether they forgive you or not, you tried. If they do forgive you, then it happened because you stepped out of your comfort zone to admit you were wrong.
Saying the right thing at the right time may be the trickiest concept in the world. I mean how are you suppose to know when good timing is? When is too soon to tell someone that they are the one? Or do you think it's too late to ask for forgiveness? My advice to you is that if you know how you feel, then say it. Voice it out and speak your mind because I promise you that sitting back and freaking out for however long wondering what could be different will consume your mind. If you're willing to go all in, then I think you know how you feel. Don't live in fear. Don't live in fear of coming on too strong, or someone not feeling the same way, or of you ending up being the one who gets picked on. Don't live in fear of anything. Don't live with regrets.
When it comes down to it, saying how you feel might save someone. Maybe sticking up for that girl who you know your friends are horrible too, will save her life. Maybe stepping away from your pride to admit you were wrong, will get your your best friend back. Maybe confessing your true feelings to the guy you love, will bring you a future of happiness with them. You will never know the outcome if you do nothing about it. Risk is greater than regret.
