A Risk Worth Taking
It is ironic that we can see eye color, hair color and things that really don’t matter.
But we cannot know, simply by being near them, what a person’s inner life is like.
We cannot know their world views, opinions, fears or convictions.
We assume things, make judgments and assess a person’s worth
by the shirt they chose to wear that morning, their hairstyle, or the bits of conversation we overhear.
We don’t know what mental models they use, their belief in a higher power, or their philosophy on child raising.
Unless and until they decide to share these things with us, there is no way to know who they really are.
In some cases they may not know these things themselves
and in other cases you may receive the most astonishing response should you ask.
But we don’t ask.
Or we don’t know how to ask.
The transition from polite, shallow conversation to “what are your thoughts on capital punishment” is not an easy one.
And asking, in our desire to know a person and go deeper, can be considered intrusive or rude.
It’s left to us to disclose our truest held beliefs, to share with others what we know to be true.
At least our truth.
If we go first in sharing these things that matter
maybe we can inspire others to do the same.
Maybe we can move past conversations about weather and thread count.
In grad school, weighty and intellectual conversations didn’t need to be side-stepped up to.
These conversations happened all the time - in class, outside of class, at the tea shop.
Maybe this is why I feel so closely connected to these people, and why they are some of my closest friends to this day.
Maybe it was a time in life, or maybe it was because we were in a setting that allowed us to get to know one another so well that we became truly intimate friends.
We gatekeep the important things, the things that matter, while our external appearance is free and available to all.
Take a chance.
Share what you truly believe
And let yourself be seen.
It’s a risk worth taking.
When you’re ready:
I’m currently helping a Fortune 5 Executive Vice President tell her story, revise her resume, create a board bio, and update her LinkedIn profile. Let’s talk about your story and how you can get the recognition and position you deserve: GHEIM@GRAYSONHAYDEN.COM
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