Communication Archives - Page 7 of 10

A dark time for some

December 20, 2018 by Zero Dean

For some people, this is one of the most difficult times of year. Some smile & pretend everything is ok when it’s really not. I’ve been there.

People who are in the darkest places may tell you that they’re good when you ask because that’s the socially appropriate answer to “how are you?”, not, “I’m really struggling.”

Amongst the fake smiles & insincere cheer, if you truly care about people, take the extra moment to express it to those you come in contact with in a meaningful way.

Your time, attention, and a listening ear are some of the best gifts you can give to someone and they cost nothing.

Talk is cheap

September 29, 2020December 18, 2018 by Zero Dean

How do you show people that you mean what you say? That you can be trusted? That you have a good heart and character? The key is in the word “show”. You show who you truly are by what you consistently do. And when your actions are congruent with your words.

Talk is cheap. Don’t just say you care about something. Don’t just say you believe in a cause or a way of life. Take action and show it. And remember to show what you believe in when it matters, not just when it’s in your own best interest.

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” — Samuel Johnson

Originally published December 6, 2014

Silent appreciation is easily confused with silence

October 25, 2018 by Zero Dean

Silent appreciation is easily confused with silence.

If someone has done or is doing something that you appreciate, respect, or admire, take the time to acknowledge it in a meaningful way. It is an extremely easy and effective action that amplifies good feelings & positivity and helps to ensure that the things you appreciate continue.

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On Kindness & Disrespect

September 30, 2018 by Zero Dean

You can be a kind person and still be the kind of person who yells profanity at the car that cuts you off in traffic. Being kind and not tolerating bullshit are not mutually exclusive. Being a kind person doesn’t mean you can’t verbalize your disapproval for disrespect.

Crossing paths with idiots is never an excuse to act badly and you should always strive to set a good example, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay silent or put up with abuse.

Sometimes the biggest favor you can do someone is to stay calm and speak the truth. And sometimes that truth is, “You’re being an asshole and here’s why…” At other times it may mean not giving your time and attention to someone who doesn’t respect it.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be a Zen Master. And you certainly don’t have to tolerate bullshit. Just lead with kindness and always do your best. Even when others are not at their own.

Living in harmony

June 16, 2017 by Zero Dean

Being able to live in harmony with others is largely dependent on being able to effectively communicate with those who choose to live their lives differently than you do.

Spewing negativity and hate doesn’t lead to less hate and negativity. Break the chain. Lead by example.

Your voice is always a choice.

December 11, 2015 by Zero Dean

Excerpt from: Your voice is a choice. Always.

Your voice is always a choice.

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Crossing paths with an idiot is not an excuse to also act like an idiot.

January 9, 2021September 11, 2015 by Zero Dean

Excerpt from:

One less idiot

Crossing paths with an idiot is not an excuse to also act like an idiot.

How you handle yourself is your responsibility. The less you let others control your emotions, the happier you will be.

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Friends and enemies

August 3, 2015 by Zero Dean

Working through a problem with a 3rd party is one thing. Speaking badly about another person simply because you don’t like them is something else entirely.

If you wouldn’t say it to the person you’re speaking about, then perhaps it’s not the sort of thing you should be saying to someone else in their absence.

And if you’re not the kind of person who would stick up for a friend being spoken poorly of when they’re not present, then perhaps it’s time to consider what it means to be a friend.

Real friends may give each other shit — and often do — but they also don’t let others speak poorly of their friends in their absence.

Having integrity means sticking up for what you believe in even when it isn’t easy. And sometimes this means refusing to take part in conversations aimed at putting people down.

Learn to let people make up their own minds about others without trying to bond by creating a common enemy.

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