Wouldn't It Be Great If We Could Actually Say These Things ?

Although many people may not know their name, I am certain almost everyone is familiar with the "Happy Bunny" quotes that are on everything from pins to bumper stickers to t-shirts and hats.  The concept is that this picture of a happy-looking little cartoon bunny is paired with a rude, sarcastic, vulgar, or perhaps just plain mean quote.

Today at work, one of my peers showed me a box of pins she had, each with a happy bunny quote imprinted on them.  She offered for me to keep any that I really liked, so I chose 3 or 4 that really made me laugh.  Here are two of those, which are my inspiration for this post:



I got to thinking ... I appreciate honesty in people around me; like, if I have something in my teeth please just tell me.  And then I thought ... how nice would it be if we could actually say some of these happy bunny sayings to people we interact with?  Of course we can do that, but I mean without all the anticipated negative consequences?  You just say it and they accept it.  No questions or unnecessary emotions.  It's just truth that automatically resonates with them ... and then you can have an actual conversation with them that leads somewhere.

I especially wish this was the case with the "it worries me how dumb you are" quote.  Sadly, I can count at least five times in the last two weeks when I wished I could point this out to people I have had conversations with.  I really don't think they are aware how "dumb" (illogical or nonsensical would be a more politically correct term) they are being.  And maybe if they were able to see that, they could move on and have a better life.

Song Of The Day:
The real difference between children and adults is that kids truly just say what they are thinking, without reservations.  We seem to be okay with this as adults, openly accepting the truth that has just been spoken to us from these little ones.  I wish we could do that as adults.
Instead we have to ask ourselves "What Would You Say?" and consider the repercussions of those words.  Too bad.  This song from Dave Matthews Band was what got me into their music in the first place.

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Why Don't You Just Say What You Need ?

I think most of us have at least one relationship in our life in which we find it difficult to just be open, honest, and maybe a little selfish.

For some it is at work.  You just don't have the wherewithal to tell your boss (or your employees) what you need from them.

For some it is at school.  You just can't muster the courage to admit that you need help.  Deciding your major.  Understanding math or science.

For some it is with family.  You don't have the heart to possibly hurt your parent's or sibling's or kid's feelings.

For some it is with your spouse or significant other.  You worry that the relationship will suffer if you are too open and honest, or that the person you care about will no longer care for you in the same way.

I say ... let's all get over it!

Talk to your boss or co-workers about your goals.  Ask a counselor or teacher to recommend the right kind of supplemental schoolwork.  Tell you mom, dad, sister, brother, or child that you love them but that you need space, time, or whatever it is.

And by all means ... tell that loved one what you need in your relationship.  It is a recipe for sure-fire failure when we begin to expect others to just know what our needs are.  Just because you have to tell someone what you need doesn't mean they are only fulfilling that need because you told them to.  The key here is ... you're giving them options to love and support you.
If they do what you ask for, then they are choosing to show you how much they care.

Song Of The Day
In the spirit of this blog post, please listen to the song "Say" by John Mayer.  Love him, hate him, I don't care.  But you cannot deny the powerful words and message of this song!

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