Cliff Note:I am writing this post from a computer at the Wadsworth Library. I had this thought while driving to the library to return some books and thought it would be a good thought to blog on. I wanted to post it before the muse took it back.
Sometimes I think the four words that cause the largest percentage of emotional abuse are "you can't do that." Sometimes I wonder why those words are spoken. I speak as one who has had a lifelong affliction of insecurity.
I am not talking of a high school dropout wanting to perform brain surgery or anything like that. What I'm talking about are those who want to hold others back from achieving dreams. I wonder how much greatness has been stifled by those four words?
I have been encouraged by several who read my blogs. Most have been fellow bloggers, others just readers. A couple of these(and you know who you are) want to start blogging.
My Whattville blog has been a result of encouragement from David McMahon of authorblog fame. He posts a short poem every day and I try to comment with a rhyme. If he likes my comment, he will email me with a very encouraging comment. I'm sure he sends encouragement out to others every day too.
I was reminded of someone who was an encourager and a close friend of my wife's family this past week. Harv Kassebaum was one who found good in everything. His family was my wife's next door neighbors while she was growing up. He was also an English professor at Cuyahoga Community College. This past week, my blog was visited by Kathy from California. This was as a result of a Google search. She choose to read my post because of the name of my blog. She listened to WIXY/1260 when she was growing up in northeast Ohio. Kathy commented on an article I posted the day after I went to Harv's calling hours right before his memorial service. She used the comment section to tell how Harv encouraged her to write poetry. Harv was not one who would tell others "you cant do that." He always encouraged people to do their best then showed them how.
And Kathy, come back here whenever you please. And leave a comment as you have been a great encouragement to me and a blessing to my wife and her parents. And we are still trying to get hold of Margie.
Sometimes I think the four words that cause the largest percentage of emotional abuse are "you can't do that." Sometimes I wonder why those words are spoken. I speak as one who has had a lifelong affliction of insecurity.
I am not talking of a high school dropout wanting to perform brain surgery or anything like that. What I'm talking about are those who want to hold others back from achieving dreams. I wonder how much greatness has been stifled by those four words?
I have been encouraged by several who read my blogs. Most have been fellow bloggers, others just readers. A couple of these(and you know who you are) want to start blogging.
My Whattville blog has been a result of encouragement from David McMahon of authorblog fame. He posts a short poem every day and I try to comment with a rhyme. If he likes my comment, he will email me with a very encouraging comment. I'm sure he sends encouragement out to others every day too.
I was reminded of someone who was an encourager and a close friend of my wife's family this past week. Harv Kassebaum was one who found good in everything. His family was my wife's next door neighbors while she was growing up. He was also an English professor at Cuyahoga Community College. This past week, my blog was visited by Kathy from California. This was as a result of a Google search. She choose to read my post because of the name of my blog. She listened to WIXY/1260 when she was growing up in northeast Ohio. Kathy commented on an article I posted the day after I went to Harv's calling hours right before his memorial service. She used the comment section to tell how Harv encouraged her to write poetry. Harv was not one who would tell others "you cant do that." He always encouraged people to do their best then showed them how.
And Kathy, come back here whenever you please. And leave a comment as you have been a great encouragement to me and a blessing to my wife and her parents. And we are still trying to get hold of Margie.
Comments
There are other students I have had that were obviously less talented than others but worked their butts off. That work ethic paid off in the long run. That's why you never tell someone "you can't do that."
On another unrelated music note, while listening to "Elvira" on your jukebox...In fourth or fifth grade at Whittier Elementary school in Massillon, I had my first tuba solo in the song "Elvira" during a concert. At the time though, I was playing baritone reading bass clef music. Baritone is often seen as the precursor to playing tuba.
There have been too many times when I have personally seen people shot down by those four words. Those words become a very low glass ceiling. Could very well be the difference between living in the projects, waiting on the third of every month, and being one who is able to help others because others have helped instead of hindered him.
If you are told those four words at work and you want to move up, it's time to look elsewhere for a job.
"You and other bloggers give me motivation to always do better. That's why I started my third blog for poetry, something you have given me motivation to do. I'm even kicking around tying some of my blog posts together for a book."
Here is his response:
"No worries at all, Cliff
That's what the blogging fraternity is best at .....
And good luck with your book. I wish you all the very best ..."
That sums it up quite well.
we tried to provide our girls that same type of philosophy - there's nothing you can't do - only things you don't want to do.......