Sharing Opinions – Yours Matters

Sharing Opinions – yours matters and so does mine. [Click to Tweet]

Have you been able to read between the lines all these years—to discover I have trouble sharing my opinions about things? It’s something I have struggled with since I was young. 

I came home with more outfits that I hated and never wore because I couldn’t tell my mom the truth about what I thought while in the dressing room.

And, then, the one time I just had to have a faux bunny fur hat (I think I was about 9 years old at the time), the moment I saw an old lady wearing one at church, I never donned it again.

I don't like talking politics. I avoid Apologetics. I dislike confrontation. When someone asks,

"What do you think?" 

I freeze.

It’s been tough being me sometimes. [Click to Tweet]

It’s easier not to like something rather than say I like it and be disappointed.

Now, those of you who have psych backgrounds may have me labeled—don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.

Whatever the cause, I struggle with this. 

I like everyone else to be happy. So, it doesn’t matter whether we go for pizza or Chinese food. I’ll take whichever flavor is left on the dessert dish. I'd rather let everyone else choose first.

You're probably thinking--Really, Jeanne? 

Or, maybe somebody out there is tracking with me because you struggle too.

I really do want to grow in this area...

That’s one reason I have said yes to reviewing books and movies here at The Stream’s Edge. It has forced me to be honest with myself and others about what I think. And, I think it has been a good stretching thing for me.

My theory is that all of this is rooted in fear.

• Fear of rejection
• Afraid what others will think or say
• Afraid of not being accepted or liked
• Afraid of looking or sounding foolish
• 
  

Does this ring true with anyone else?

Does anyone else out there struggles with this? I would love to hear about your journey. 

Maybe we could start the S.Y.O.S.G…

Share Your Opinion Support Group

Or, maybe the M.O.M.S. ...

My Opinion Matters Society

I'm learning how to take a risk with my opinions, to be myself. There is one question I can answer without being afraid of what others think...the one when Jesus asks,

"Who do you say that I am?"

What do you think? Now that I've bared my soul...I’d love to hear your opinion!


Jeanne

Images courtesy of Morguefile.com

Jo Ann Fore writes this book called, When a Woman Finds Her Voice: