Directness: A Lesson Learned from Getting a New Pet

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my past that taught me a valuable lesson about directness. It’s a tale about a new pet, a young boy, and the importance of clear communication. So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let’s dive in.

The Arrival of a New Pet

Many moons ago, when I was just a lad, my parents surprised me with a puppy. I named him Max. Max was a bundle of joy, a whirlwind of energy, and a source of endless amusement. But as any pet owner will tell you, a new pet also brings new responsibilities.

The Misunderstanding

One day, my father told me, “Kev, it’s your job to feed Max.” Now, I was a young boy, and my understanding of “feeding” was quite different from my father’s. I thought he meant I should give Max treats whenever he looked hungry. My father, on the other hand, meant that I should feed Max his meals at specific times of the day.

As you can imagine, this led to some confusion. Max was overfed and became a bit pudgy. My father was puzzled, and I was clueless about what I was doing wrong.

The Lesson in Directness

Eventually, my father realized the misunderstanding. He sat me down and explained exactly what he meant by “feeding Max.” I learned that day that being direct and clear in our communication can prevent a lot of unnecessary confusion and mistakes.

From that day forward, I’ve always tried to be as direct as possible, whether I’m giving instructions, sharing my feelings, or expressing my needs. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout my life, and it’s served me well in both personal and professional situations.

Final Thoughts

So, my dear friends, remember to be direct in your communication. Don’t assume others understand your intentions or instructions. Take the time to explain, to clarify, and to confirm. It might take a few extra moments, but it can save a lot of time, energy, and misunderstandings in the long run.

And remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. Even something as simple as feeding a new pet can teach us valuable life lessons.

Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep being direct.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev