Dear Girlfriends,

Sometimes our purse gets too heavy because we let other people drop things in it. We don't do a good job of setting our own boundaries. We allow others to invade our space, resulting in our own frustration and anger. Can we be honest with each other? Some of us talk too much. I know, because I'm a talker.

However, there are times when I don't talk, won't talk, can't talk to anyone. Now this may sound harsh but I usually take this stance during the weekend. My quiet time is a basic requirement for me to recharge my batteries. Just because someone wants to chat doesn't make me obligated to visit with them. I learned this the hard way because I used to be available to anyone and everyone 24x7. They would call and I would listen--well, sort of--until I realized I was being unfair to them and most importantly to myself. The telephone was making my purse heavy. So, I let the calls go to voicemail. After trying this once, I realized that the world did not come to an end when I delayed the conversation until a time that was better for me to contribute. Either a) the problem was still there and waited for me, b) the problem worked itself out without me, or c) the sale was over and I didn't need to spend the cash anyway! This is a boundary I have set for myself. I talk when I'm in a position to have a meaningful conversation and I'm not in a position to contribute 24x7. Now my purse is much lighter.

This techno-savvy world where we're connected to everyone, every minute is draining us of our creativity. Turn off your phone. Put the Blackberry in a drawer. Close your notebook computer. You'll be absolutely amazed with your renewed enthusiasm for and patience with others come Monday morn.

Playing the quiet game,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on January 9, 2007 1:57 PM  |  Category: What's In Your Purse?