Saying too much or not enough

In light of my father's illness, my Nana's failing health, my divorce, my decision to find a "day job," and a few other things in my life.... I started musing last night about what we say to people, what our encounters are like, and whether or not we're saying enough or saying too much.

It's more than the overused, "Did I tell them I loved them enough?" lament. Sure, that's an appropriate thought, but there's so much more I wonder about. It's not just about telling someone that I love them but sharing why I love(d) them. What did they inspire me to do? What sorts of passion for my life did they incite within me? Why am I better for knowing them? What about me is so much greater for having them in my life when I did?

Similarly, I wonder if I have ever said too much. Did they need to know, during their time of trouble, that certain events were or were not happening? Did I overthink things or not think enough before speaking? Was I a help or a hindrance? Did I feel one way and they felt another? Did I cross the line or not go far enough?

I have some specifics over which I am debating to write, but I thought I would lay out the rambling thoughts for now.

Anyway, thanks for listening.

On Leadership

Last week I had the opportunity to listen to Colin Powell speak to a conference being held at Mandalay Bay. His topic was leadership; it was moving and perception-altering for many who had a true interest in what he said. One thing in particular stood out for me. We've all heard the adage about chains being only as strong as their weakest link and we've also heard that you cannot lead by what you say but by what you do. Those are true and always will be, in my humble judgement, but I took a special interest in how he focused on the rest of the equation, the rest of the team.

He said that true leadership is based on your followers; leadership is measured by the quality and dedication of your followers, your battalion, your team. A true leader will know they've done something right when his or her followers go along with plans or follow a path "out of sheer curiousity more than the mission itself;" it's a sign of trust that they are willing to start where they need to start and go where s/he does in order to ascertain what they need to do, together.

While teams are generally given an important focus in any situation, his monologue was inspiring and served as a good reminder that it takes all kinds to achieve success.

Where am I going with this? Hear me out...