The Power of Conversation

I am going to be honest. Deep conversation is the true way to the heart. You must be compassionate and empathetic. You must be able to give and take. In this world, there are two types of personalities. The introverts and the extroverts. The listeners, and the talkers. Conversation is a healer and a comfort. Expand your horizons. If you are a listener, let your emotions out. Find someone you trust, talk to them, and get things off your chest. You can't just bottle things up inside for eternity. On the other hand, if you are a talker, take a moment to step back, and ask how someone's day has been. Take your time, become a listener, and give the gift of conversation. Inquire about those around you. You can learn some unexpected lessons from those who normally listen.


Conversation is a healer. It is a comfort. There is a difference between getting to know someone and having a conversation with someone. There are people who I have had the privilege of knowing for years and seem to know nearly nothing about. On the other hand, there are people that I have had the privilege of getting to know fairly well in only a few days. Make your conversations count.


There are so many advantages to good conversation:

1. Defining Yourself- When someone challenges your beliefs and morals, you are forced to rethink and redefine the principles that characterize who you are. Be yourself. Care about your values, make them stronger, and, most importantly, define your faith. Faith is something that can often seem foggy. Scripture and tradition have shown us countless beliefs. Know where you stand and uphold your responsibilities.
2. New Ideas and Opinions- Often times, in good conversation, one party will bring up a subject that you have never thought about very deeply. These new ideas and opinions have the potential to not only open your mind to creating new ideas but also to expand your knowledge. When having a conversation, listen for the subtleties. Listen not only to the words but also to the meanings behind them. It can open up a whole new world for you. This is a good reason why being open to meeting new people is important.
3. Sharing your Knowledge and Ideas with Others- Each person has a different set of skills and has led a different life. Don't be afraid to tell stories (from your life) with morals at the end. Spread your knowledge, use your skills, and try to enhance the lives of those around you. There are lessons you have learned that others have not.

Lastly, be yourself. Stay true to who you are. If someone disagrees with you, challenge it. Don't give in. State your opinions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging arguments. I just strongly believe that if you don't stand up for SOMETHING you will fall for ANYTHING.

<3 Al

Opportunity.

Opportunities are constantly uncovering themselves all around us. They are not something you just stumble upon. They are something you earn. Every opportunity you have been given is the result of your actions and decisions.


 You. Are. Successful. 


This success is rooted in the subtleties of life. Every person you meet, impression you make, and effort you give toward each situation life throws at you greatly influences the opportunities that you are offered. Weigh the outcomes. Choose what is best for you. If you decide that taking this opportunity will not be what is right for you, be patient. Your time will come.


 More importantly than being offered opportunities is the ability to uphold the duties that are inherited when you accept these new responsibilities. Take love for example. When given the opportunity to show, accept, or give love to someone it is not just an opportunity, it is a responsibility. All relationships are two-way streets. Loving someone gives you the responsibility to care for, comfort, and empathize and communicate with that other person. Audrey Hepburn once said, “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” We must care for those around us. Every relationship we begin is an opportunity to learn, grow, and expand knowledge of ourselves. Take responsibility. Work to maintain the blessings that you have been given and be open minded to others.


 During a discussion with a Buddhist monk yesterday, he explained one of their main teachings: the present is the only time that matters. The past is over and the future hasn't come. The present is where your focus should be. The biggest myth that revolves around opportunity is the "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity. If you live life waiting for that "Once in a Lifetime" opportunity, you will miss everything that the present has to offer. Time is constantly ticking on and on. Moments go by that you can never replace. Use your time wisely, take opportunities, make a name for yourself, and have a blast with no regrets. Regrets are the result of mistakes, missed opportunities, unhealthy decisions, and worst of all, wasted time.


The last point I would like to make is that you are an amazing person. Nonetheless, that does not mean that you shouldn't take every opportunity you can to change yourself for the better. The process of improving yourself can be a stressful and difficult thing to do. Pay attention to the present, seek opportunities to learn valuable lessons, and take responsibility for your actions. Opportunities are all around you.
<3 Al