3 Words That Change Lives…

The most important messages that humans deliver to one another often come in just a few words. Think of “I love you” or “There’s no charge” or “And in conclusion.”

Of these phrases, one of the most useful is this: “I’ll be there.”

I’ll be there. If you’ve ever had to call a plumber over a weekend, you know how good these words can feel. If you’ve heard them after being stranded on the road with car trouble and used your last airtime or mobile battery life to phone a friend, you’ve known the feeling too. “Grandpa, I’m graduating in December!” I’ll be there. “Darling, I’m stuck at the office and I can’t get to the airport to meet my sister!” I’ll be there. “Mom, the baby cries all night, and if I don’t get some sleep I’ll perish!” I’ll be there.

Another important three-word phrase is one of the hardest to learn to say. It is: “Maybe you’re right.”

If more people would say “maybe you’re right,” the marriage counsellors would go out of business. I know from experience that it can have a disarming effect in an argument. When we’re so hung up on getting our own way that we won’t concede on any point, we do ourselves a real disservice. Even when you know you’re right, use it to indulge and win over your challengers. – works wonders!

The next phrase I heard often when I was small and faced a hard decision. Turning to my Grandmother, I’d ask what I should do. Her response was
always the same: “Your heart knows.”

 “My heart knows?” I would grumble. “What’s that supposed to mean? I need advice here. I need you to tell me what to do.” She would just smile and say, “Your heart knows dear. Your heart knows.” I would retort, “Yes but my heart isn’t talking!” To this she would respond, “Learn to listen.”

People may suggest what we should do, but for the most part no one will accept responsibility for our mistakes. We have to make our own choices. That’s when we need to listen. Your heart knows. Psychologists call this “tuning in to ourselves.” Spiritual leaders call it “turning to a higher power.” Whatever you call it, you have the ability to find the right answers for your life. It’s a powerful gift - but you have to learn to use it.

It took me some time, but I learnt that life doesn’t come with a plan. Indeed the page is mostly blank. You may have a rough outline of where you’re going, but you won’t get there without making some tough decisions. To this end you may find these simple, yet profound, words helpful:
I’ll be there.
Maybe you’re right.
Your heart knows.

(With gratitude and credit to Martha Dunagin Saunders)