Have you ever been so dumbfounded that you were speechless about what just happened? Speechless is defined as "unable to speak, especially as the temporary result of shock or some strong emotion; unable to be expressed in words." That was me yesterday when I received a call from Jeannie. I continued to listen to her speak but my heart nearly stopped, or maybe it just skipped a beat or two as she unveiled her story. I was speechless. Too shocked to respond in a coherent manner. I was literally dumbfounded. Rare for me, but this certainly did it. There are many reasons we find ourselves speechless. Some are positive, others are negative. For me, this instance was not positive--but I'm still standing, as should you whenever you find yourself speechless. Never be overcome by being speechless.
As I pondered about what to write this morning when I woke up, I couldn't help but think about yesterday. Fortunately, yesterday is dead and gone, never to come back again so there's really no need to stress about it or let it negatively affect my today. The word "speechless" came to mind--the state you may find yourself once in a while when something happens in your life unexpectedly. How do you move past it and forward without remaining stuck and focused on being speechless? You take what you need to learn from that experience, shut the door and just keep moving. No need to waste your imagination repeating what's already passed since you can't change it today. Remember: When you are speechless, that's a good opportunity to simply listen and learn. Be engaged, even in your silence--never disengage from the conversation.
Today is here, brace yourself for new experiences and challenges. Don't stay trapped in a speechless state. It's over! Move on. I don't know or think you can ever prepare for those moments/incidents that make you speechless. What is important is moving on after the fact and not looking back that you keep saying to yourself "if only" because, by then, it's already done! Life is beautiful and everyday is a learning experience--especially about yourself. Being speechless is part of it!
