Pay Attention

        We've all heard actions speak louder than words. This lesson, as easy as it seems, is not always practiced easily - at least not for me. This season of my life I seem to be ready and willing to simply cut to the chase. I have a lower tolerance for games and hoping people meant something else. Like it's commonly said, people are always showing us who they are - believe them!

        It's usually best to give people the benefit of the doubt, but that does not mean we ignore what their actions are showing us. I remember as a teen watching an interview of Paris Hilton. She said, "I usually tell people what they want to hear and then I do what I want." The concept never occurred to me in that phase of my life. I began considering people's words and actions differently from that point.  I believe this describes most people, though we wouldn't admit it. 

         This also goes for people like me who idealize people. If I'm not careful I will ignore the signs and believe what I want about someone or something. Eventually, the truth is to big to ignore. It would have been better for me to note the signs and give them the weight they deserved. Age and maturity have given me more confidence in my own insight. I'm also learning to value my own time.
     It's important to not give yourself away mentally, emotionally, spiritually - make sure people are invested in you too. I've learned not to doubt what I notice. And I'm learning to put insights in the language of others. I'm excited to see how this plays out in my 30s. Having the ability and boldness to put your foot down and say, "This isn't working for me" is a powerful place to be.