Are You Saying What Needs To Be Said?

You’ve been there. You’re sitting in a meeting, or in class, or at lunch with friends, and someone says something that is so obviously wrong, incorrect, ignorant, predujiced, anecdotal, off-base, or just otherwise ridiculous that you stop chewing and drop your jaw. You glance over at the person next to you and it is clear that she feels the same way you do. You wait for a second, because someone is obviously going to disagree, right? Somebody is going to tactfully but firmly say, “Well, wait a second, I’m not sure I agree with that.”

You wait for a second or two, but the first person just keeps talking. No one interrupts. No one disagrees. Everyone leaves wondering, “Wow, am I surrounded by idiots and cowards? Am I an idiot and coward too?”

This scenario is all too common, but it isn't always connected to moments of disagreement. In fact, there are many things that go unsaid that are supportive, kind, bold, and important. There’s probably something on your mind right now as you read this, something that you need to say today. Maybe you need to tell someone that you love them; tell someone you’re sorry; tell someone that their great idea is "interesting" but probably too risky; tell someone that you like them as a person but you can’t agree with their viewpoint. 

Speaking that thought into external existence is going to be difficult. It is going to take courage. And you will have to accept the repercussions, whether they are good or bad, that may stem from doing this. But would you rather face this challenge this morning and say what needs to be said, or face yourself in the mirror tonight knowing that you let the chance to be yourself pass for one more day?

You have something valuable to say. No one hears it until you say it.