One of the most difficult things for me to do is to keep quiet when I want to express my opinion.
I’m grateful I live in a country where I’m free to have, and express, my own opinion.
I’m even free to state my opinion about any situation or person I want. Whether or not I have any facts or vested interest.
There are a whole lot of situations where I don’t have responsibility, but I still want to express my opinion.
It happens most often at work. Somebody else has a project or task, and I’m not involved in it. But my mind still swirls and figures out the way I think is best to accomplish that work.
I can usually still keep quiet. But the death blow to my silence comes if the person asks my opinion about their project or task.
Now, I’ve learned that many times, that person really wants me to support their solution and ideas. And they don’t want to hear something contrary. And when it’s a manager, well, that’s never a comfortable situation.
Before I open my mouth, my only hope is to pause and ask God to help me say what He wants me to say.
And also ask Him to help me with the hard things:
— Be as concise and kind as possible when I do express my opinion.
— If I have to answer or my job will be negatively impacted, I can always say, “I don’t have anything to say about that.”
— Don’t speak (or reflect opinionated facial expressions) when God has clearly signaled in my spirit for me to keep my mouth closed.
— When I’m supposed to keep quiet, let go of my opinion instead of allowing it to roll inside of my head and take up emotional and mental energy I need for tasks God wants me to do.
What helps you decide what opinions to give?
To Speak or Not To Speak – What helps you decide what opinions to give? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I try to mostly give opinions when I know if I don’t their life might be severely impacted negatively and I would feel guilty if I didn’t speak up. I like your list of how to handle opinions. The hardest part for me is to let them go and not ” roll inside of my head and take up emotional and mental energy I need”. I’m trying to stop myself from focusing on other people and what they should do and increase my focus on what I should do.
I agree, Jane. The hardest thing for me to do is let go of my opinion and stop thinking about it. I appreciate you reading and sharing.
Great suggestions for consideration when thinking about speaking, Joni. Appreciate the post.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Tim. I’m glad my post was helpful. I appreciate your blogs as well.