Step Over It

 Today I attended a gathering to decorate Christmas trees and I went. I am not one of the usually popular types but that's okay with me. I go anyway. When I got there no one spoke to me, but I began a needed task and went about my business and ignored the cheery greetings I gave that no one responded to when I gave them. I  pretended that all was fine. And it was. I learned long ago that if you are a person who speaks out  the truth when those around don't want it and have attitudes toward you that are unfriendly and even hostile,  you need to ignore their ignorances and carry on. I have learned to trust myself and go about my usual ways in my own way. I am not unkind, but as someone misguided, said to me, "It's not the what you have to say, but the way you say it that offends." I answered by saying, "That's not how I do it, I speak the truth plainly, with nothing offensive about it ." I remain an advocate for plain, straight forward, not rude language but truthful, direct words and that is how it is with me. I do not enjoy listening to someone speaking in cloying terms about a simple truth. As the event went on, I decided on doing what someone in my vein told me to think. He said, "It's like crossing a fast running stream. You pick out the rocks that are solid and true and get across stepping on those." I did. I crossed the "stream" today and was able to enjoy myself while ignoring the rude people who wouldn't speak to me. They enjoyed gaslighting terminology which is not my style and in ignoring their rudeness, I had great time. I met someone there  and we had a terrific conversation. These sorts of people are always to be found. There is always someone like yourself with whom you can discuss in real terms, what truly matters without rude of offensive language. When I left, I waved good-bye to the gathered group who once again ignored my friendly farewell. It did not bother me one bit. I have learned how to cross the streams in life to find those solid rocks that take us across. This is my advice for plain speakers. We speak the truths without shame or reticense. We just have to find the good rocks.