Last Wednesday, October 1, 2025, I had a candid conversation at 0800 in the morning while standing in line waiting for the Post Office to open.
It was at somewhat of a surreal moment that I realized in life, we will meet people from different cultures anywhere.
I also realized that the people we meet always have a story to tell.
Today, I will tell a story of elderly, small Hawaiian woman who has a super big heart.
Imagine someone weighing less than 100 pounds and very petite.
As she and I waited patiently for the local post office to open, she made a statement, “Can you believe it, we are already in the month of October, where has time has flown by so quickly.”
Because I’m always curious about people and have learn to properly ask so that I don’t insult anyone, I then asked her politely where she was from, as she responded “Hawaii.”
From that moment on, we were in steady conversation for about ten minutes, passing the time holding candid conversations. We waited patiently for the person to unlock the door.
I decided it was time to head back home, being 15 minutes had already passed. Although the lights were on, the doors remained locked, and no one ever came to open them.
My friend, on the other hand, had four large mailers which she needed to mail and decided to wait for them to open; being a retired person with plenty of time to waste, at least today.
It was through that candid conversation that she told me about being retired and her recent trip to Hawaii, which was somewhat like the one I had experienced during the month of August 2025. My trip to Pennsylvania had an unexpected 11-hour delay, while her trip was a 24-hour delay, having been put up in a hotel because of a seat belt malfunction.
As I walked away, I thought about her comments tied to patience that she told me about the Hawaiian Gods, as it would not be good to complain.
I then thought about a compliment that was given to me by one of my friends, who said I never complain when asked how I am doing.
It’s through these candid conversations that we build on our character and let others see how Christ or our Deity who lives within us.
I witnessed Christ in her and her faith through her actions.
How we show up each day is up to us.
We all have met people who have nothing good to say, regardless of how well things are going.
They can always find fault with something, which makes me grateful that my emotional intelligence is regulated towards better self-awareness.
It’s my reminder of a quote I’ve seen that says, “You can complain that roses have thorns or rejoice that thorns have roses.”
When we all woke up last Wednesday, October 1, 2025, knowing there were going to be some candid conversations about the recent Government shutdown.
We all know the implications when organizations go on strike; now, many are thinking about the Government shutdown as the effects are felt globally.
The candid conversation that we were supposed to have on September 30, 2025, failed, and as a result, we continue to live in a divided country.
I’ve said plenty, I believe, to allow you to think about holding candid conversations with others concerning our country.
I’ll leave you with this quote from Kim Scott: “Communication is the No.1 trait that leads to higher levels of success, yet hardly anyone invests time and resources to becoming a better communicator.”
Today, my challenge to you is to think about the candid conversations you are having and how well you are communicating with the other person. Have you invested time and resources in becoming a better communicator?
As always, you’re candid in both writing and conversations. And today’s blog is no exception; it is candid indeed. I love these two quotes: It’s my reminder of a quote I’ve seen that says, “You can complain that roses have thorns or rejoice that thorns have roses.” “Communication is the No.1 trait that leads to higher levels of success, yet hardly anyone invests time and resources to becoming a better communicator.”
Afolabi,
Greetings,
First and foremost, I am humbled by your comments. I appreciate you talking tome to respond and I apologies for my tardiness in responding.
McKinley
McKinley, being a good communicator is like having endless money in the bank, you can get just about anything you need. Connecting with people and meeting them where they are through communication is key to making friends and building a large network. I am still working on being a better communicator, but just the process of improving make for great conversation.
Scott,
Greetings to you and your contribution to this weeks blog. I like the fact that you said “Being a good communicator is like having endless money in the bank, you can get just about anything you need.” In today’s world we witness various types of great communicators as they get their points across. It’s my goal to always would on connection with my audience as a speaker. As long as we aware working on our communication skills that is all we must worry about in my opinion. Therefore, continue working on being a better communicator, and in the end, you will see the results.
McKinley
I really like the subject you chose for this communication piece. For me, I strongly believe the first thing needed to be a good communicator is to be a good listener – family, stranger, partner, or opponent. My responses nearly always, unless in a big hurry, is to smile and say hello or whatever may be appropriate at the moment. Even the ones that don’t speak back – I will answer for them “and hello to you too” :). There are a lot of problems in this world today – or as I hear in Scripture often “this generation”. I heard someone say that the best way to answer to a problem is to understand the question or define the problem – then you are about halfway home to getting the right answer, or the best understanding. I tell my adult kids, try to never debate or argue with a person that you feel is angry or hostile – you won’t get very far. Would you debate someone stone drunk or stoned out of theor mind? Wasting you time and energy if not getting yourself into trouble. Those who have different politics or religions, listen and don’t be too quick to judge. Let them have the freedom of religion or politics and move on. Short on time now with our meeting about to start, but I like the subject and your story – there are many more I am sure.
Bill,
Greetings, I appreciate the comments about my blog Candid Converstions and I’m honored that you like the subject and how I chose for this communication piece. I’m a firm believer in listening and not judging just as you are. I appreciate the feedback.
McKinley