On Stating Our 'State-Of-Mind'...

   I encountered a woman, yesterday, whom I had not seen in years. We 'caught up' a bit, in the few, moments, we were able to talk. In the many, years, since I had seen her last, a great deal of 'stuff', most, of which was not so great, had occurred, in her life; and, it showed. She seemed fairly, negative, and, down on her life, as she described what it was that had happened, and, where she's 'AT' now, with respect to these disappointing, life-altering, events. At one point, in our conversation, she looked me in the eye, after pouring out her heart to me, and, said, 'So, this is my life. WHAT on earth is there for me to be happy, about?' Wow...talk about a 'loaded-question'! In that we were at her 'work-place', and, she was concerned about talking, too much, about her personal-life, we did not continue with our 'chat' for long. Nor, did I respond to her question, in the way I would have liked. For, it did not seem that she was open to hearing me, optimist that I am, give her reasons, that I feel, she might choose to feel happy about; and, naturally, happiness is a personal, subjective, state-of-mind. I've thought of our conversation, 'off and on' over the last, several, hours, and, considered how my personal, point of view, might have impacted on her feelings. My response to her, at the time, was, simply, that I hoped, that she'd feel better, soon. I have since, imagined, that in preference to that retort, I might have suggested, as I did THINK to do, and, WANTED to say, at the time, the many, reasons, she might find happiness, today, despite the life-changes she has endured. Alas, I did not; yet, I wonder, as well, 'would it have mattered, at all, what I believe, feel, and, think?' I suppose, I'll never know, unless, of course, she and I have another opportunity, whereby, I might interject my 'take' on things. Often, we never know, just how much of an impact our input may have on another; and, unless, we, actually, offer our advice, no effect or impression can be made, at all. This, experience, has taught me something, a lesson, that, for future reference, I will take to heart. Hence forward, I will ALWAYS, answer, honestly...from my 'gut', for that is where my truth lay. Regardless as to whether or not my opinion alters the life of another, is, sincerely, secondary, to me being true to myself. Just Sayin'...