A Lesson Shared

"Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes." ~Unknown

Courtesy of Duc Van / Unsplash.com

The quote above is one I always carry in the pocket of my heart when moments of challenge to speak my truth arises.

The words remind me that truth when spoken with love becomes less about opinion and more about offering light. I believe we are all One and if I genuinely believe this, then it is fine to speak my truth with another as long as, no matter how much I may disagree, I honor their truth as well. It is a healthier conversation when both sides of the coin are shared, while in that moment, the only essential truth our All-Understanding and All-Knowing Creator wants us to remember is that we are All One.💖

An Airport Encounter.

Being in a long security line at the airport a few weeks ago, waiting for my turn to check in, a man's voice from behind me said, "So, do you think the employees in front of us are getting paid for the work they are doing now, or do you think they are doing this for free?"

I turned around, and this gentleman, about my age, smiled.

I smiled back and said, "Are you asking me that question?"

"Well, yes, I am." He said, "With all the layoffs that have been going on in our country..." (as he nodded his head towards the security workers) Do you think they are working for free or for a paycheck?"

As I scanned all of them, they were lighthearted and joking with each other and doing their work, so I answered him with, "Yes, I would say they are getting paid. They look contented and relaxed."

His words to that were, "Okay, so what are your thoughts about our current government administration laying off many of our workers in all different genres of our states?" As the line slowly moved ahead, this gentleman was not whispering his questions, and I could tell people around us were interested in my response.

I looked straight into his eyes and calmly said, "And you are asking me these questions…because?"

He smiled again, "Well, I'm curious how you feel our country is currently being run."

I answered back with a question. "And you think the answer I give you will change anything that is going on there now?"

He looked taken aback and surprised. I wondered where his smile went, and before giving him a chance to respond, I continued to look into his eyes and coolly said, "I see. Well, first, I am not going to answer your questions."

“And second, the way I see it is that what we discuss here, at this moment, will not change anything our government has or will decide to do for or against us at this time. Why would I want to debate with you where I am with the positive or negative presence of our state, knowing it could get ourselves or the ones around us riled up, depending on the views they carry?" I gave him a minute to let those words sink in, then continued.

"And because of this, I choose to put my energy into the joys of the life around me." Don't you agree this makes healthier sense?"

He swallowed and told me that it was a fair statement and question.

I went on to say, "When I am in conversations where the negativity of this world takes hold, either I excuse myself or move to something lighter that makes others chuckle. And all of a sudden, the room feels lighter. It is amazing what the energy of laughter will do to our atmosphere, don't you think?"

He smiled and agreed.

I was quiet for a few moments as I looked at him, which I'm sure he was thankful for. Then said, "You have a warm and welcoming smile when you 'honestly' smile, like right now, and I bet you could give people a reason to smile and feel relaxed by sharing the good and positive news about life instead of looking to debate someone on their views. Yes?"

He was quiet for a few breaths, and when I looked around, the people close to us were smiling and attentive.

His eyes looked at me seriously and then lit up and asked me what I thought about ice cream. I had a bit of a sore throat because of a beginning cold I took from my son when I left our visit, and I answered:

"That sounds delicious, and it would even be better if it were strawberry." His laugh was soft, and then he said, "How did you like how easily I changed the subject?"

I chimed in, "I did like it and I'm impressed, well done." We both enjoyed a 'real' chuckle, and a few people around us echoed it too.

Then, and almost on cue, I was called up to give my driver's license to the young security guard.

When I walked up, she was wearing a mask, spoke loudly so I could hear her, and asked me how I was. I smiled and said, "Well, I woke up breathing this morning, so no matter what happens today, I think it is already a wonderful one!"

She laughed, and her eyes just shone. I couldn't help myself and told her that, with her mask on, I couldn't see her smile, but I could tell from the light in her eyes that she was wearing a beautiful one.

She giggled, shyly said thank you, checked my picture, and allowed me to go through. I told her to have a splendid day and keep making us smile —we need that now. She said she would. Then I turned to my new friend, who had been watching the whole interaction, gave him a wink, and went through the gate.

We all have choices at every turn to bring positivity or negativity to others. And yes, life as we know it can be deeply challenging at times but, life has always been like this — we also have within us an incredible light that longs to shine through us during those moments that could easily turn into debates.

We are a people of watchers, so therefore we are teachers by the way we live our lives. It doesn't get any better than that.

However you celebrate this season of Joy, Hope, Peace, and Love — give it everything you've got. The only way we will learn is through you.🦋

Thought to Ponder ~

Has there ever been a time when someone challenged you to speak your truth, and you wanted to speak up, but fear stood in your way?

Have a glorious rest of your month, in joy and peace,

Terry

© 2025 Terry Pottinger

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