It's So Nice To Be Nice

I remember my first attempt at finding work as a teen; my interview was at a downtown Payless Shoe Store.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job.

It could have been a number of things, but I do remember one question in particular that probably doomed my future at the Shoe Source. When the manager asked, “How do you feel about change?” I clearly remember boldly saying, “I don’t like really like  it. It’s not good.”

I don’t know what was said after, but the interview ended shortly thereafter and I didn’t hear from him again.

It’s funny now, just looking back at how much I’ve changed and how much I’ve grown.

Today, I can honestly say, that while I am never really excited about change, I am still somewhat hesitant….. I do look forward to it, to the final outcome of  growing, blossoming, becoming more efficient, effective, and a better me.

Lately, I’ve been on a mission to change a number of areas in my life.

This blog is a testament to my desire to improve my character and grow in that area.

I’ve also recently challenged myself to stop talking as much…..to be silent.

And for those that know me, they know this can be a bit of a challenge…to just be quiet…and not be right…and not say the first thing that comes to mind.

I guess I’ve been practicing now for a few months and I’ve realized that it is really a skill to be quiet and just shut up.

But I’ve learned a lot as well.

• People tend to talk more, when you listen to them and keep your mouth shut

• Every question or comment doesn’t require an answer and often times silence alone speaks volumes.

• It’s really hard to be quiet

• My behavior really tells my story

• There have been fewer apologies because I’m not saying the first thing that comes to mind

• It offers a wonderful opportunity to learn and observe

• Silence eases conflicts and heated debates

• My answers are crafted more for each listener. I ask myself, what is the best response for this person.

And I’m sure there’s much more….like I said, it’s only been a few months.

And I’m still learning…still changing.

One of my favorite songs is actually entitled, ‘Change.’ Heather Headley performs it  on her Me Time Album.  I wish it was released as a single, but here are the lyrics:

Verse 1:
I tried so many times but nothing happened,
It seemed the task at hand was much too great for me.
I spent my yesterdays wondering if tomorrow would be the same.
I underestimated Your grace.
But you loved me in spite of my ways
And changed me.

Chorus:
Change
That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of all you’ve done for me.
Oh, oh, change
It’s kinda’ strange how people say that I act so differently
Oh, oh change
Every passing day I find it easier to say:
“What a wonderful change in me.”

Verse 2:
Now I find myself staring in the mirror
Taking inventory of the things I see.
I never realized that there was so much missing deep inside
Until you took control of my life.
Like an eagle now I can fly
Cause you changed me.

Chorus:
Change
That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of all you’ve done for me.
Oh, oh, change
It’s kinda’ strange how people say that I act so differently
Oh, oh change
Every passing day I find it easier to say:
“What a wonderful change in me.”

Bridge:
And everyday I pray that you’ll open my eyes to see things your way
Cause I wanna love like you,
Walk like you,
Live like you.
Whatever you have to do
Even if you change me Lord.

Chorus:
Change
That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of all you’ve done for me.
Oh, oh, change
It’s kinda’ strange how people say that I act so differently
Oh, oh change
Every passing day I find it easier to say:
“What a wonderful change in me.”

To listen to an excerpt click here and click the play button.

Any thoughts?