I’ve been thinking for a while now about giving up something for Lent. As a child, I usually gave up candy. As I got older, I started doing something for Lent. Meditation. Spiritual readings. Daily entries in a Gratitude Journal.
This year I’m reverting to the early years and giving up something. It’s something dear to my heart, one of my Ego’s Favorite Things.
Advice Giving.
It comes in many guises. Sometimes it’s cloaked in concern; other times it shows up as mere opinion. Usually, I’m just trying to help. Most of the advice I administer is unsolicited. Occasionally I am polite enough to ask, “May I offer some advice?” But few refuse; I know that. I understand this sort of thing will have to go. I’m giving it all up for the next 6 weeks.
Why? Just to stretch myself, to observe what happens when I take off my know-it-all hat and keep my mouth shut.
Oh, wait! My Ego has a question: “What about when someone comes and legitimately asks for m
y advice? As in ‘Would you give me some advice?’”
Ego truly loves it when that happens. Why, just last night my son said, “I’m looking for some advice, Mom.” And he was looking to me! Yes, that’s my favorite: Motherly Advice.
But this is serious business: Lent and Spiritual Growth. So, Ego, here’s my decision: We’re giving up giving advice in our personal life. However, there are those who pay us to advise them, and we shall continue to do so professionally.
Am I prepared for this challenge? I’m not so sure. When I told my husband, he laughed uproariously.
As for you, my friends, family, and colleagues: no fair taunting me with, “A penny for your thoughts!” (My advice is worth at least a dime!)
This year I’m reverting to the early years and giving up something. It’s something dear to my heart, one of my Ego’s Favorite Things.
Advice Giving.
It comes in many guises. Sometimes it’s cloaked in concern; other times it shows up as mere opinion. Usually, I’m just trying to help. Most of the advice I administer is unsolicited. Occasionally I am polite enough to ask, “May I offer some advice?” But few refuse; I know that. I understand this sort of thing will have to go. I’m giving it all up for the next 6 weeks.
Why? Just to stretch myself, to observe what happens when I take off my know-it-all hat and keep my mouth shut.
Oh, wait! My Ego has a question: “What about when someone comes and legitimately asks for my advice? As in ‘Would you give me some advice?’”
Ego truly loves it when that happens. Why, just last night my son said, “I’m looking for some advice, Mom.” And he was looking to me! Yes, that’s my favorite: Motherly Advice.
Lent and Spiritual Growth are serious business. So, Ego, here’s my decision: We’re giving up giving advice in all aspects of personal life. However, there are those who pay me to advise them, and I shall continue to do so professionally.
Am I prepared for this challenge? We’ll see. I admit, it will be quite a challenge. So, no fair taunting me with: “A penny for your thoughts!” (My advice is worth at least a dime!)
Coach Barbie Dallmann 
Well, yes…I did laugh…at first. But then insightful reflection set in and I thought to myself, “Self…you just might get yourself, and myself, into all kinds of trouble without Barbie’s solicited (and unsolicited) advice for six entire whole consecutive weeks…YOW!!!” Oh, well…I guess that I can always PAY for her advice…or…hey, here’s a better thought. I can go to any one (or more) of the many very wise women whom I am privileged to know (in no particular order): Jean G., Donna, Suteera, e-Liz, Aila, Great Cate, Anya, Barrie, Joan, Jean D., Adrienne, Emily, MJ and Minnie Moore…er…many more!
Dear Lucy, I mean Barbie, I can just hear Dannie’s laughter, but I just want you to know that when I ask for your advice, I really want it! So this isn’t just for you, all of those who count on your wise counsel have to give up ASKING for lent. What’s up with that?
Hum. I’m a born again agnostic, doesn’t that give me an exemption?
Oh, BTW, another good use for duct tape besides “homeland security” — the mouth! :[ just in case.
Love from one of your biggest fans and advice seekers… 39 days to go and counting.
Cate