Talk is cheap, but silence is expensive

I've heard the phrase "talk is cheap" so many times. I've never really stopped to think about what it means, but basically it means that words don't have value without actions. Now, it's important to differentiate this from the power of words, which I think has a ton of value. Speaking and giving voice to the things in your life you love, appreciate, want, etc. is POWERFUL. But yes, talk without actions (like telling someone you love them, but not showing them through actions) is cheap.

But now think of the other side of this. Silence is expensive. I'll say it again for the people in the back: SILENCE IS EXPENSIVE.

Have you ever stayed silent about something and later realized the cost you paid for that silence? I sure have. 

For someone who's such a chatterbox, I can also be extremely silent about some things. I'm not a fan of conflict. I mean, who is?  But I'm really not a fan and I'll avoid it for years. And part of avoiding conflict is simply staying silent and not "poking the bear in the zoo." Another reason for silence can be fear. Fear of speaking up and being ignored, declined, shamed, etc.  It's as important to recognize that you're silent as it is to recognize why you're silent. 

I've been working on finding my voice the past couple of years and I'm proud of how far I've come. But in finding my voice I've also been forced to look back on times I didn't speak up. I distinctly remember the relationship that was starting to go downhill and rather than speak up and address it, I sat silently and watched my own relationship disintegrate. That silence may have cost me my relationship. 

This isn't about whining or being a squeaky wheel because that's just annoying. It's about not staying silent out of fear or avoidance. What's the worst thing that could happen by speaking up? When I think back on the times I did speak up - the kind of times where my heart was racing and I felt like I would be sick - it was always okay. And oftentimes it was better than okay and I was so thankful I said something. 

So let's challenge each other to find our voice. Let's realize and accept that silence can be very expensive and not shy away from speaking up out of fear or avoidance. The people who love you want to hear what you have to say. 

Are we friends on social media? Let’s be. :) Facebook and Instagram here. I’m even into LinkedIn. See you here, there and everywhere. xx