T. S. Elliot

In the room the women come and go

Talking of Michelangelo.

— T. S. Elliot

American Poet

1888 - 1965

When I was introduced to the poetry of T. S. Elliot in college, I fell in love with his work.  One of my favorite poems still today is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock from which these two lines are taken.

We are a nation of talkers and storytellers.  We always have something to say even when it has no value or frame of reference.  People come into our lives and share their opinions on art and the world before taking their leave and going elsewhere.  Sometimes we give too much importance to the ideas and opinions of others.  We need to listen to ourselves first.  Often the opinions of others are not as valid as we are led to believe.  In fact, their opinions can be dead wrong.  

Are you trapped in a room and forced to listen to the negative opinions of others?  Break out!  Find a new room with people who will support and help you.  Avoid the negative people who try to steal your energy and enthusiasm.  

Here is a link to the full text version of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: (Read and enjoy.)

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20220

Listen to this fabulous reading of the poem by Anthony Hopkins.

You have read this article American Writer / Conversations / Opinions / optimism / T. S. Elliot / Talking with the title Talking. You can bookmark this page URL http://gem-vita.blogspot.com/2012/02/t-s-elliot.html. Thanks!

Elizabeth Bibesco

"It is never any good dwelling on goodbyes.  It is not the being together that it prolongs, it is the parting."

— Elizabeth Bibesco

English Writer

1897 - 1945

Saying goodbye is difficult for some people.  They linger, wanting to stay longer in the company of their friends or family.  Saying hello is difficult for other people.  They are shy and afraid to meet new people.  Are there people in your life to whom you have difficulty saying goodbye?  

I have said goodbye to thousands of people over the years.  I say goodbye to the people who attend my seminars.  We know each other for two or three days.  We are almost like ships passing in the night.  We come together as strangers, share a few stories, laughs and tears before parting often never to see each other again.  So I have learned to say goodbye and to keep moving.

I have often said goodbye to my family because I have traveled so much.  It is much harder to separate from those you love than strangers you meet in the classroom, on an airplane or in a restaurant.  Saying hello to family is easier than saying goodbye.

Saying hello to strangers can be very difficult for me.  I was very shy growing up and still am when I am in a room of strangers.  If I am speaking, I have no problems approaching people who come into my  classroom and greeting them.  On an airplane, I have been known to strike up very enlightening conversations.  But if I attend a seminar as a participant, I usually don't approach the strangers.

Creative leaders must learn to say hello and goodbye if they are to be successful marketing their art.  And in today's world we have to market our products.  We have to attend book signings, art fairs, radio talk shows and if we are lucky TV talk shows.  We have to be good at saying hello and goodbye.

Marvin Gaye, the singer, had a difficult time performing in public.  He often cancelled his concerts because of his anxiety and fear of people.  He had difficulty saying hello.  How about you?  Do you meet people easily or are you filled with fear?

You have read this article British Writers / Communication / Confidence / Courage / Elizabeth Bibesco / Goodbye / Greeting / Talking with the title Talking. You can bookmark this page URL http://gem-vita.blogspot.com/2011/08/elizabeth-bibesco.html. Thanks!

Abigail Adams

"Learning is not attained by chance.  It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."

— Abigail Adams

Letter Writer

First Lady, Wife of John Adams 

1744 - 1818

I am a strong believer that creative leaders should be life-long learners.  One of the main reasons we are here is to learn and grow as human beings.  Learning comes in many ways and from many places.  Other people can teach us a lot if we are paying attention.  People come into our lives to teach us something.  And sometimes we resist learning what they have to teach so we make the same mistakes again and again.  Are you paying attention to what the people in your life are teaching you?  Are there people who make you angry?  What are they trying to teach you?  Are there people who have hurt you?  What are they teaching you?  What are you learning from the pain?  Are people giving you advice that you have chosen not to listen to?  Are there people who encourage you and you ignore them?  What are you learning from the people in your life?  What are you learning that will improve your relationships and improve your artistic creations?

You have read this article Abigail Adams / Anger / Creative Leaders / Curious / Knowledge / Learning / Listening / pain / Relationships / Talking / Wisdom with the title Talking. You can bookmark this page URL http://gem-vita.blogspot.com/2011/05/abigail-adams.html. Thanks!

Doug Larson

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have preferred to talk."

— Doug Larson

1926 -

While talking can sometimes help us understand ourselves, listening helps us understand others.  And by understanding others, we will better understand ourselves.  If we listen to the words of others, they will teach us about life — both what do to and what not to do.  We probably learn more from the failures of others than we do from their successes.  As writers, storytellers and artists, we need to understand other people.  The better we understand people, the more realistic and truthful our art will be.

You have read this article Achievement / art / Don Larson / Failure / Learning / life / Listening / Reflection / Spiritual / Success / Talking / truth / Wisdom with the title Talking. You can bookmark this page URL http://gem-vita.blogspot.com/2010/09/doug-larson.html. Thanks!