Finding a Place for The Unspoken

Have you ever really needed to say something and there was no way you could? Whether it was expressing your heart to a loved one or telling someone what you really think, there was an interminable block between you and words. Maybe it wasn’t a matter of not knowing what to say, but of being able, your thoughts culturally or relationally tied to a post. This is assuming you know better than to say whatever comes to mind.

You know if you break the barrier you make a thousand more. A step over that line and you probably go beyond “enigma stage.” Or you just stay right where you are, pretty much writhing in the joy of being misunderstood. A glance around a room rubs it in. Or a long silent car ride gives that aching feeling. You’re really stuck.

What to do? Well, I’ve tried a number of things. As you can probably imagine if you haven’t already experienced it, I easily emit a verbal response for anything and everything—instantly. Thankfully, time has metered that to usually include a prelude of silence, yet the words still knock around inside my skull, looking for an unauthorized escape route. So that is Option A) The prelude of silence. Just give it some time. Often, you’ll think of something else far better to say.

Option B) Write it down. All you carefully-crafted, necessary words will not be wasted.  And if, in time, there is an opportunity to share, you have it ready. And the wise may find by the time that time comes that you don’t want to say it anyway. However reread thoughts, once thought, usually have been surpassed when tried to be contemplated once more.

Option C) Say it out loud, in seclusion to the God Who Hears. This is by far the most effective method of expressing latent thoughts. Scripture says He keeps each one of our tears, and knows our thoughts and heart. That’s pretty personal and understanding. Speaking out loud to God also helps eliminate most, if not all, of the poison from your words—and your heart. He gives renewed thoughts, too.

Option D) It is commonly accepted that New York City, Chicago, Seattle, and such places have lots of people. Where there teeming crowds, I find that frequently one can disappear into a swarm and, even using a megaphone, can say whatever they like. However, this does not eliminate the problem of being misunderstood.

Option E) Nature has a way of hearing and healing. Not the little strips of grass and shrubs along Mainstreet, but the Wilderness beyond limitation. Waiting silently and taking the time to breathe in the wild, clarifies like a polished translator, turning your own words over into a soul-language akin to a sunny day and gentle breeze. Its metaphrastic.

Option F) The easiest response is feeling sorry for you yourself, finding fault, and building up a wall of begrudging thoughts and feelings. Frankly, this one is  stupidly immature, and spirals you downward. If someone were to do this and actually be thinking at the same time, they wouldn’t do it. In fact this whole “shooting myself in the foot” routine is not an option for you. Sorry.

Option G) Hire an ear. However, I will warn that this can be extremely expensive. Look in the phone book under Physicians, Psychiatrist, Tattoos, or Hair Salon.

Option H) Go shopping. This is also expensive and relatively short-term pain relief. There are no lasting benefits to this one except perhaps an improved credit score if done properly, or a reputation as “the one with all the stuff.”

Option I) Create a masterpiece in your artistic mode that mirrors your heart. Take the time put it down in stitches, paint, words, Kodak, or wood. Using the gifts you’ve been given in your style of expression sets your heart on wing.

Option J) Combine Options A), B), C), and top it off with E) or I) for the best results. It works.