Ash Wednesday! "Talk It Out: I used to think talk was cheap, but it is actually super healthy."

Written by Ash Catcher

     You know that age old phrase: “ Talk is cheap”  Well recently I find myself coming to the conclusion that talking actually costs a lot. It can cost you your time, money, and I guess in some very fucked up situations your life… In the past I can chalk up a shit ton of failed relationships that were actually due to a lack of communication. I didn’t want to cause any conflict by voicing my opinion but as I get older I am not sure if my filter has been damaged in transit or something but lately I don't really give much fucks. If something is bothering me, and I don't like it or you pissed me off I am going to look you dead in the eye- or in many cases my phone after I have disgustedly chucked it across the room- I’ll tell you straight up. You can call me the Queen of transparency if you would like. Please enlighten me, my mentality in life has always been very simple: be nice to others, respect animals, and don’t piss me the fuck off. Keep the peace- lately I have been talking much more about my thoughts on life, what I want from life, what music I have been listening to lately, and naturally the most common phrase that has left my mouth: “ Do you want to see a picture of my cat, his name is Banner.” 

     I talk a shit ton. I talk at work, at home, on the phone, I send postcards in the mail, hell on a slow day yea I may just pick up a scam call or two. But do people talk to communicate? To share their thoughts and ideas? Or do we just need to get this stuff out there into the air. I fully believe the greater good in people. I would like to believe that people like to talk, to communicate, to authentically share stories. It does not necessarily have to be relevant to the conversation I just don't know- I can't stand dead space, or static air between one another during a conversation. Like talk to yourself if you have to. I don't care, just keep it going.  On the topic of communicating and talking to get across thoughts and ideas, I am pretty fucking weird, and I problely swear too much ( my parents were never around growing up so sue me) but I can even find common ground with most people. When in doubt talk about, the 3 P’s Puppies, Plants, and Parents- someone can usually relate to if not all 3 at least one of those topics. 

     Talking to Strangers: I must have missed this day in school where the concept of "Stranger Danger” seemed to escape me. I literally have such a fascination with people that I end up talking to almost everyone. I have been told in the past I am pretty annoying to go out to eat with because I end up talking to everyone, the table next to me, the hostess, hell I'll become BFFs with entire establishments if I have the time! If anything, I STRONGLY believe that talking to strangers is a good thing. It helps us expand our network and build relationships with other people. ... This is why many of us feel uneasy about talking to someone we do not know. The thought of approaching a stranger and initiating conversation makes us nervous. How else are you supposed to get to know anyone? I like to do things that challenge me, because if you didn’t step out of your comfort zone every once in a while, are you even living? 

Until next time stay tacky 
     
I went on a really cool adventure this past weekend but I am gonna save it for next week’s Ash Weds!

-Ash Catcher