My Own Medicine.
Although I’ve given myself the “Mr Critical” moniker I find that so many times the mirror is a better tool for judging. I get to see how short I fall and how imperfect I am – contrary to my own lofty opinion of myself.
Well, today I’m reminded of a phrase my brother shared with me when I was complaining endlessly about my work back in the early ’90’s at American Airlines. (By the way, this is why I don’t like strikes and unions. But that’s another blog entry.) He, with a dose of love and a dose of get-over-it said I need to “talk with my feet.”
Talking with my feet was more about walking out the door than anything with that particular situation. I eventually did and started my life long career of “self-unemployment” as a friend once put it.
Recently I’ve been fortunate to have an experience where I had every opportunity to be critical or maybe a better word would be analytical. Most likely a combination of the two. Rather than stall what I was feeling in my heart with over thinking or paralysis by analysis I choose to heed to words of my brother and use my feet … action.
Life sure would have been easier had I sat back and simply analyzed and critiqued others who had chosen to act, but I’m finding great pleasure in taking action and not looking back.
I’ve used this quote many times in the past few months but it’s so true to how I feel.
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Action is not easy. Action is not safe. Action opens me up to criticism. But, action accomplishes. Action serves. Action is fulfilling.
So, the next time you see me using my mouth more than my feet, encourage me to talk with my feet.
April 7th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Our youngest son(26)just told us he may get involved with Market America, so being the investigative reporter at heart that I am I began searching the net for anything I could. Found your “Mr.Critical” blog from March the MOST informative, so will share it with him. He has a full time job(head of granite dept.in kitchen bus. in Fla),a wife and daughter but thinks he wants more. You are an interesting person!! Seems you’ve done quite a bit in your life. We, too, believe wholeheartedly in adoption so good luck and may God bless you and your family. Keep writing because I am reading!!