Was It Something I Said?

My mother called to tell me a joke the other night; it was about a nun who took a vow of silence at the convent she joined, she was promised that she could speak two words after five years. When five years had passed she was called into the office and asked if she had two words to commincate : "hard bed" was her response. Upon hearing that she was assured that her comfort would be taken into account and attended to; she was dismissed for five more years. Five more years went by and, again, she was called into the office; this time "cold food" were her two words. She was sent away with more reassurance that her meals would be more to her liking. Ultimately, five more years passed and the office scenario was replayed; this time "I quit" were the nun's two words. "Well, I think that would be best" came the response from her superior, "all you've done since you arrived here is complain!" I liked the joke, it has stayed with me yesterday. I've thought about this and at the risk of over-analyzing what was meant to be a cute joke I began to think about how what we say, regardless of how often we say it, becomes a definition of who we are. If we use many, or just a few, our words (like it or not) become reflections of our personalities. I, for one, am going to pay closer attention to the words I use today and think, deliberately, of how they might be heard and interpreted!

Life is Good!