Wisdom From The Elders:
There were two quotes my late grandma Glo never failed to repeat to me anytime she felt the need to impart wisdom upon me.
“Nice is good but bitch is better.” I alleged she got this one from Cher, she maintained Cher must’ve stolen it from her. These are the genetics I hail from. Regardless of who said it first, the quote encapsulated a belief in the power of resilience and self-preservation. Something she relied on heavily being a survivor of sexual, and physical abuse.
“Never tell anyone about your money, your love life or your next move.” Grandma Glo was a firm believer in discretion, often cautioning against revealing too much about one’s life. She adamantly advocated keeping ‘tight lipped’ on the trifecta of personal matters: money, love, and future plans believing that safeguarding these aspects of life was not just a matter of privacy but a necessity.
Money Talks, Wealth Whispers:
Glo maintained that one’s financial successes and endeavors had to be kept discreet.
“Wealthy people look like paupers, rich people won’t shut up about it, and broke people wear those gaudy labels.”
“That is not true for everyone” I argued.
“True. Teeth. The teeth will give it away with the wealthy paupers. Those things are blindingly white or made from the same material as a toilet. It takes a lot of dough to get those things maintained.
“Fair enough. But it’s still not true for everyone.”
“Here’s the point. You never want anyone to envy you and you never want people to hang around with you just so they can get you to pick up the tab, if you know what I mean.”
I knew exactly what she meant.
Glo was stressing the idea that keeping quiet about financial status not only safeguards against potential envy and harm but also fosters a sense of humility. The consequences of jealousy can range from strained relationships to more serious security concerns, but by keeping financial matters private, you can navigate the complexities of wealth with discretion.
Love in the Shadows:
Glo felt even more passionate about keeping your personal affairs private.
“Don’t let anyone in on your personal affairs, after awhile your affairs will no longer be personal.”
Applying the same principles of silence to matters of the heart involved recognizing the value of discretion in romantic relationships. Broadcasting every detail of one’s love life can invite unwanted opinions, external pressures, and, shield you from the harmful effects of gossip. By choosing to keep certain aspects of your relationship private, you protect it from external influences and allow it to flourish organically, shielded from the destructive force of jealousy.
The Art of Keeping Your Next Move Quiet:
Glo sat in her office listening quietly while I rambled on about a new script of mine that had garnered quite a bit of interest.
“Congratulations! Now shut-up about it.”
Glo never cared much for couth.
“Why? I’ve worked hard on this. I’m so excited!”
“People who don’t like you watch you closer than anyone.”
“I’m only telling my friends.”
Glo cracked up, a laugh that was accompanied by a rattling cough, the result of years of inhaling tobacco products.
“Friends. Thanks for the laugh.”
I didn’t see the humor in it at the time, ten years later, I get it. Glo finished with a line that haunts me to this day.
“Don’t ever hand anyone the knife that will be used to cut you down.”
At the time, I wasn’t aware of the power of energy and how it can affect certain outcomes. Maintaining a strategic silence about your next move carries inherent importance in navigating the intricate energies of personal and professional pursuits.
There are several reasons for this:
- Revealing your plans prematurely can inadvertently dilute your motivation; once the idea is vocalized, there’s a psychological tendency to feel a sense of accomplishment as if the endeavor is already done.
- Broadcasting your intentions opens the door to energies of jealousy, leading to potential delays and obstacles introduced by those who may harbor envy.
- The risk of being perceived as disingenuous arises if unforeseen circumstances hinder the progress of your project.
- Sharing your ideas too soon might expose them to the risk of being poached by others.
Thus, the strategic practice of keeping your next move quiet serves not only as a shield against external hindrances but also as a safeguard for your authenticity and the protection of your creative endeavors.
The Importance of Humility:
My little Yoda Glo had imparted real world wisdom upon me, even if her delivery was crass. Remember, keeping your money, love, and next move quiet isn’t just a strategy; it’s an art form, a masterpiece crafted in the subtle strokes of privacy. Live your live in quiet contemplation. Take action behind the scenes and step into the light when the time is right. And if you find yourself tempted to spill the beans, recall the sage advice of Grandma Glo:
“Shut-up about it.”
After all, the best-kept secrets whether, personal or professional are often the keys to our most significant successes.
Keep Seeking,
LOVE this. Incredible insight, masterful delivery from Glo.
Thank you for reading!