Donna Highfill
  • Home
  • About
    • About Donna
    • What People Are Saying
    • My Other Blogs
      • Dame Nation Blog
      • Huffington Post
  • Services
    • Power Up BUSINESS
    • Coaching
  • Books and Tools
  • Blog
    • Fave Products
  • Contact Me

Here’s Some Honesty For You

Donna HighfillBlog11 commentsMarch 16, 2017

My last post was several weeks ago, in which I declared that I was going to be more honest in my writing. Then I wrote another blog that was neutral, bland, and had a happy, blah message. Honesty isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

So here’s some honesty for you . . .

  • Sometimes motivational speakers make me feel like I’m not living up to my abilities, and I become even less-disciplined. I guess it’s a form of counter-dependence.
  • I occasionally get tired of people telling me to “Give up everything and follow your dream!” when their dream has been funded by someone else. Many of us will follow our dream, but as Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book Big Magic, we have to pay the bills while doing it.
  • I am often suspect of perpetually peppy people. I have found some mean motives simmering beneath the those big smiles.
  • There are days when people irritate me a little too easily. Like the day I sat by a man in the DMV who smacked his gum. I don’t know if it was the general DMV experience overall or the gum chewing, but I sighed loudly and moved to another seat.
  • I am bothered by people with fierce, unbending perspectives on either side of the spectrum. If life has taught me anything, it’s that the truth is always somewhere in the middle. Perhaps I feel that way because I’m the middle child. 🙂

All of that is part of my truth. But taking that into consideration, here’s a little more honesty for you on the flip-side of fussy . . .

  • I believe we are inherently good. Even at the age of 56, you can’t convince me otherwise.
  • I believe people hurt others because they are wounded themselves. Even sociopaths, who are missing a part of their brain that helps their humanity, come into life damaged.
  • I think power is our most-fed desire, but love is our greatest need.
  • I believe that those who have passed on still stop by to care for us when we most need it. In fact I know that to be true. But that’s another blog altogether.
  • I believe that all anger comes from fear, and that bullies have been bullied themselves. And if you’re a bully and you smack me verbally, I will smack you back. In fact, if you smack me physically, I will smack you back.

But I still love you and your wounded self.

Most of all, know that if I ever see you hurt an animal I might have to take you out, no matter your personal torment.

But I still believe that you started out with hope and promise, and somewhere along the way someone who was wounded, wounded you. . .

And there will be a time, perhaps after this lifetime, when you will rediscover that loving soul hidden beneath all the hate.

I’ve experienced a lot as a preacher’s kid living in tough neighborhoods. Perhaps that’s why I believe in us, because I witnessed wounds when they happened.

And now a discovery . . . I guess my happy, blah messages are my truth.

Wow. I did not see that coming.

Tags: donna highfill, inspirational stories, motivation

Related Articles

My Year of Change

October 11, 2011Andrew

I Hope You Dance

August 29, 2014Donna Highfill

3 Ways Change Proves Chicken Little is Alive and Well

February 1, 2012Andrew

11 comments. Leave new

Lisa Weldon
March 17, 2017 9:44 am

“I believe that those who have passed on still stop by to care for us when we most need it.” – I look forward to this blog post, Donna. I have an 87-year-old mother who is so afraid of dying and I try to assure her that she will still be with us.

Reply
Donna Highfill
March 17, 2017 2:49 pm

Lisa – Write me at [email protected]. I have lots to share!

Reply
Kathleen Winter
March 17, 2017 3:27 pm

” I believe people are inherently good..” and reminding ourself daily we are inherently good helps our perspective, self worth and approach to others. Just finished a great book by James Altchuer, “Choose Yourself” It reminds us to balance our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual foundation. Donna- thanks again for reminding us…

Reply
Donna Highfill
March 17, 2017 3:29 pm

Kathleen – I have not heard of that book, but will definitely order it! Thanks so much.

Reply
Kelly
March 17, 2017 6:34 pm

I believe that those who have passed on still stop by to care for us when we most need it. In fact I know that to be true. But that’s another blog altogether. – Interested in this post!

I’m also a middle child and feel this way – I am bothered by people with fierce, unbending perspectives on either side of the spectrum. If life has taught me anything, it’s that the truth is always somewhere in the middle.

Reply
Donna Highfill
March 17, 2017 6:38 pm

Thanks, Kelly. We should start a middle child blog :). And, you and others have asked about the line of “those who have passed on.” I’m working on a book right now that should be completed in the next month. I’ll start an “interested” list and let you know when it’s ready!

Reply
Melissa Noakes
March 18, 2017 2:14 am

Um, I’m interested! I just lost my dog, Luca, to cancer in January, and still talk to him daily. I know we’ll be together again, but it sure would be encouraging to hear your perspective on whether you think he hears me:). Donna, your blogs always seem honest to me. You’re a real person, and express the same joys and hurts the rest of us experience, but often with a twist (usually humorous, sometimes just raw) that helps the rest of us cope. Thank you!!!

Reply
Donna Highfill
March 20, 2017 2:45 am

Melissa – thank you, always, for your comments. I sent you a response via email! Donna

Reply
Michele
March 20, 2017 2:42 am

I like to believe most of the world is good. I also know those who passed on are still around. I have to believe this.

Reply
Donna Highfill
March 20, 2017 2:45 am

Ah, Michele, it is absolutely true!

Reply
Diana Frajman
March 20, 2017 3:15 am

Wise words Donna. You and me must have gone to the same school of wisdom. Thank you for sharing your truths.

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Learn How to Tell a Better Story and Achieve Success!

Sign up below to receive 48 FREE Energizing Messages.

Connect with Me

Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • A Cab Driver Who Appeared as if from Nowhere
  • Here’s Some Honesty For You
  • Laughter is My Hero
  • A New Year in Old Clothes
  • Why I Will Face the Fall

CHECK OUT MY BOOK

highfillcover

As a leader, do you implement change only to watch the projects, processes and initiatives stall because you can’t get the people driving them to change? In my new book Real People, Real Change: Stories of a Change Warrior in the Business World I share real stories to illustrate how leaders can move people to action.

Archives

Where Donna Will Be Speaking Next

  • April 22, 2015 - SunTrust Women's Networking Group
  • April 23, 2015 - SunTrust Women's Networking Group
  • May 12, 2015 - LPGA Championship, Kingsmill, Williamsburg VA
  • May 21, 2015 - Education Association of Fundraising Professionals, Eerie, PA

Certified_hi-res

mbti_certified
huffbadge

Learn How to Tell a Better Story and Achieve Success!

Sign up below to receive 48 FREE Energizing Messages.

Recent Posts

  • A Cab Driver Who Appeared as if from Nowhere August 9, 2017
  • Here’s Some Honesty For You March 16, 2017
  • Laughter is My Hero January 10, 2017

Contact Me

804-370-6665
[email protected]
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • About Donna
  • Contact Me
Copyright Donna Highfill 2014