Learn To Think Exactly

"It is all right to say exactly what you think if you have learned to think exactly." - Marcelene Cox, writer

I never thought about this before. I remember my parents teaching me to remain quiet in an adult group setting unless I was spoken to first. I also know that my mother emphasized silence if I couldn't think of anything nice to say. But I don't remember any of the adults in my life suggesting that I learn to think exactly. This is a very interesting choice of words to me.

I remember going out to eat with my grandmother when she was in her eighties. I loved spending time with her because she always seemed to speak her mind without fear of upsetting anyone else. She was never mean or insulting, but she certainly was direct and to the point. It was unsettling sometimes. I'm not sure why because, as I said, she never said things to any of her family or friends in an unkind way. I think it was the fact that she was so direct toward the end of her life. I admired her for that.

Maybe that's what is meant here by Ms Cox. Maybe that's what my grandmother did before she spoke. I wonder if maybe she was "thinking exactly" just prior to asking her probing questions or stating her specific opinions. It very well could be the case here. I'll never know for sure, but I believe this could be the truth of what was happening at those meals with my grandmother.

Today I will choose to think exactly before I choose to say exactly what is on my mind. I am grateful for choices today. And so it is.