It’s Friday. Okay, it’s really Saturday but it still qualifies for Five Minute Friday. Thus far this year, I haven’t been very attentive to days and dates. At any rate, the thought process is the same. It’s time to focus on a prompt word for just five minutes {or so} and come up with something readable. Then a group of us link at Kate’s place (http://katemotaung.com/2015/01/15/five-minute-friday-send-and-an-interview/)to share our work.
It’s a win-win. It keeps our mind focused for at least five minutes {or so} and we get to read other incredible jewels from the recesses of our minds.
This week’s prompt is SEND. So, let’s set the timer for five minutes and START …
A number of people have been asking me lately if I was okay. My pat answer has been, “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”
Then it dawned on me. I am sending signals that indicate otherwise.
Truly, I am fine. But I have been somewhat more introverted of late, more pensive, more reserved. And guess what message is being sent?
There’s a big difference between our feelings and our projected feelings. It has been that way for ever. Karen would often ask me that same question. “Is everything okay? What’s bothering you?”
Often, there was some underlying issue eating me … a sadness or an anxiety that overtake my true feelings. And I send those signals without even thinking about it.
Let’s face it, we all do. Our innermost feelings are projected through our outward expressions … STOP
… despite our best intentions. It happens at home. It happens at the workplace. It happens even in our social gatherings.
What messages are you sending?
Well, that’s it. Not much to write home about, but it’s five minutes in my warped mind.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Lord, help me do with a smile the things I have to do anyway.
The Light 
So far so good on the signals I’m sending. I’m thankful that people who know me have connected me at the heart with the word JOY. Maybe someday it will be a struggle to project JOY but as long as I can, it’s JOY for me. Jesus Others You – JOY Attitude of Gratitude
Whether you feel it or not, I know you have joy in there somewhere and I a personally going to pray that you begin to project it.
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I have plenty of joy … just missing my wife. Thanks for the prayers. They always help.
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To spread our joy we must use words kindness and encouragement. Even when we put Jesus first and others second, pain comes. David eloquently expressed his anguish often, as did so many others. The prayer is that it all gives glory to God.
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It has recently come to my attention that sometimes I am projecting that I am angry. I am a teacher, and I noticed that my students were acting apprehensive when approaching me. It made me have to stop and think about why. This post reminds me that I need to be careful about the words I choose, and my facial expressions, and the tone of my voice – all of that projects a feeling to others around me. Even if I am angry or upset – which honestly – we are all at some (often many) times – I can control how I come across. I do not sense a lack of joy in you – I see honesty and a desire to be at your best. I will be praying because we ought all to be praying for each other – just because life is hard and prayer is the most powerful weapon we have. Blessings to you!
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It is so subtle we often don’t realize how we are projecting ourselves. I’d like to think I’m a fairly happy, joyful guy. Thanks for the prayers … they’re coming right back at you! Thanks for the comments. Peace.
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So true. How we feel gives way to our intonation, our body language, etc. You can run, but you cannot hide. Love that “Thought to Remember”. Great post as always. Rosanne
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Thank you. We often don’t realize our body language speaks louder than our words. Keep smiling!
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One of my Dad’s favorite scriptures was in regards to Mary….. who pondered upon all the angel had told her…
– funny how ‘pondering’ becomes a mixed message so often –
I, chatty-Kathy, extrovert I usually am, retreat into introvertism/hermitude when Life and my path need pondering – – because of my ‘public’ personality, I’m often greeted with a, “What’s wrong? Are you sick? What’s going on?!?” when nothing is wrong, I’m not sick, I simply need pondering time… 🙂
I will say that given guidance from hard science AND spiritual texts from a multitude of disciplines, I tested a theory while working in a very front-line customer service position the year after my son died – –
On those days when I was overcome with grief and not at ‘my best’ I tried different approaches with customers:
“I’m Great! Life is wonderful! How are You!?” (the fake it till you make it option)
“Hi – How may I help you?” (low key, none-sharing mode)
“Thank you for asking – I’m not my best today, but hey! These days happen for us all, eh? How are you?” (Honesty, focus on serving others)
To date, option 3 always had the best end results – – I can only surmise, given my own sketchy and spotty research into the matter is that if our ’emotional’ signals do not match our facial expressions/eyes, the other person, whether subconsciously or consciously picks up on the ‘disconnect’ from what their external senses are telling them and what their internal senses are alerted to – – if this disconnect is not consciously realized, then our hard-wired ‘fight or flight ‘ senses are triggered in a bid for survival that may or may not be necessary – 🙂
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Focus on serving others. Great philosophy … not only for customer service representatives but for life in general. Take care of yourself. 🙂
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