Oh my goodness! What a revelation it is to begin being conscious of opinions! And, I’m not referring just to the ones that actually come out of my mouth … but all the ones that fly through my mind during every conversation. I had no idea how many I entertain on a moment-by-moment basis! I have MILES to go in my quest to keep them in check.

I remember how difficult it was to sit in on a reflective group conversation of my colleagues, who were my dissertation research group, and not contribute! Yes, technically, I was a participant observer, but since I had to transcribe the audiotapes of the conversations for my data, I became acutely aware of every time MY voice was expounding into my ear! I learned quickly the advantage of keeping silent and letting others voices come through.

So it is now. My greatest challenge this week is “staying conscious”. Being the observer while still being a participant is a delicate dance and I’ve not always been the best “follower”, so this is good for me. I like the focus. I like the results.

I also like how EXCITED I got anticipating reaching today – November 1st – because I’d get the privilege of starting the second scroll in Og Mandino’s “The Greatest Salesman in the World”! Thrilled! Jittery! Like the next secret was going to be revealed. My heart is filled with love. 🙂