A friend and I were talking about life last week (in the pool, third glass of champagne in hand), and I stated that I believe I am a confrontational person. The more I got to thinking about it and repeating it over and over in my head, I couldn’t help but to start to think that the word ‘confrontation’ has such a negative vibe to it. I looked up the meaning of this adjective today. The actual dictionary definition of the word is; a hostile or argumentative meeting or situation between opposing parties. “Confrontation.” Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/confrontation. (June 3, 2018). No wonder I started to feel super YUCK that I used that word to describe myself (sorry, Claire – let’s only use words we know the FOR SURE definition from now on).
I believe that a better word to describe the way I try to live my life is ‘Up-Front’.
I want people to know when I love the heck out of them. I want to be brave and state my opinions when it is necessary; but also, respect the opinions of others I don’t agree with. I want to express my emotions without fear. I want to be a safe place for others to come to, relax, and be themselves. I want to be able to talk about the fun topics AND the uncomfortable topics. I want to stand up for people (including myself) without fear. I want to let my inner ‘planner’ out & plan the parties!!! – with overbearing lists, spreadsheets & emails at times :). I want to be comfortable in my own skin. I want to let go of things and people whom I don’t enjoy. I want to dance and be weird and awkward. I want to LAUGH really hard with people I love. I want to be honest and truthful at all times. I want to hold kind words. I want to be vulnerable; the truth & the hurt & the joy & the grace.
I want to be, up-front.
The friend whom I’ve mentioned here is one of the most up-front people I know – how lucky am I to be surrounded by humans who respect and love each other. ❤
XO,
Claire
Poppie's Perspective 