Opinion vs Council

Opinion vs. Council 1/31/2013

Please allow me to share a few observations that have arisen out of what I like to refer to as the “share all” society that we live in. After ranting about the pluses and minuses of it, I promise I’ll get back on track regarding this post. Earlier today while reading a heartfelt, poignant article about a family I scrolled down briefly and was hit by (in my opinion) an inappropriate comment. Notice I shared it was my opinion. Same as the individual that posted theirs. Thank God we are in a country where we both have the same right. That being stated in this “share all” society it seems as though due in large part to the anonymity of it there is very little responsibility taken for what is expressed. Same as the day before while reading of an event at a local high school an understandably nervous parent blasts the administration and staff as being in essence incompetent or uncaring. It was a scathing review. Shortly thereafter (after the assurance that his children were safe) he reposted a two line commentary that all was well.

Let’s recap. You publicly vilify the honor and reputations of these hard working individuals on a two page scathing tirade. This is followed up with a two sentence check in that all is well. No mention or apology for raking them over the coals. Lest you think I am judging, I am not. This is an observation that is repeated time and time again. How I wish that with the same passion when issues are resolved or misunderstandings become understood that the very vocal (whether audibly or in print) would shout (type) from the rooftops with as much vigor. I believe in opinions. I have plenty! I believe in the ability to express them. I do often. 

Mumay (my mom) would always make a distinction between her opinion versus her council or advice based on her experience. I didn’t think much about it until a few months ago. Countless times I would hear her on the phone sharing with her friends that this wasn’t something that someone told her she saw it with her own eyes, heard it for herself, etc.. Declaring that it held more weight. For the sake of this discussion let’s define opinion as ignorance, or never done before. Let’s consider council as wisdom and conviction based on experience or education. 

Now that we have a frame of reference here is my point: often times we make or don’t make decisions based on someone’s opinion versus the council of someone that has gone before us. There are so many things that had I listened to others I would have not even started. 

Have you ever thought about the traditions in the country of apprentices, or how trades were taught with a hands-on approach. Point being that whether you agree or disagree with their existence they were a viable way to transfer knowledge. Let’s look at mentoring, a coach, trainer or consultant briefly. With the internet we can glean from others experience and education to devise whether our ideas are sound. Not to mention (although I am), youtube, google, ask.com, ehow.com and on the list goes. Here is the takeaway from this post: find more ways to say yes to your goals via the means available versus no. Last thought (I’ll quote Mumay again): Don’t pay for all your sense, let somebody give you some! Oh yeah.....and have FUN!