PROMISE

Quite an interesting word-promise, used so easily and often not said or 'promised' with the true and powerful meaning and purpose it demands. - a simple definition from the dictionary I found was - "an oath or affirmation, a vow."

I prefer to hear or say non-promising statements unless I or the person making the promise is quite sure they will 'keep their word', otherwise it is best to say such things as: I hope to, I want to, I will try to, I believe I will, I plan to, maybe, I am not sure, if only I could, even I don't know if I can. At least with these non promising statements the receiver is not being set up for disappointment. Well, even so, people want to believe whatever will in fact be true. That's just human nature.

All that being said, why do we promise someone something. For me, at the time, I believe it is what I and they want and need to hear. It is a relationship bridge that moves things along the spectrum of what the hopes are for continuum with some sort of peace of mind. Once promised, it is so, and therefore no worries ensue, right? Wrong. It is in the very promise itself that we set ourselves up for deception, betrayal, hurt, fear and disappointment. I, like you, have promised and been promised many things and many have not lasted. Broken promises are the inspiration for songs and poetry and medications alike. No one likes to be 'made the fool'.

I am living and loving in some promises given and received these days and I have been for almost 20 years. These promises, vows, have become ever more important, increasingly valuable, life sustaining, celebratory, comforting, contagious, enlightening, powerful, and enforced every day. I look back upon a myriad of broken promises and the 'promise' I have been gifted with in my life for almost two decades surpass and over shadow all the broken promises that shattered me before. They are all a distant memory. Their purpose? - was to give me great delight in the vast difference of then and now.

I have promised and been promised many times. I don't promise anything unless I am quite sure I can deliver. One cannot spread one's self too thin when it comes to promises. They require much thought, energy, commitment, perseverance and understanding. I cherish and protect and fight for the promised in my life. Each promise and each person to which I have vowed knows that I will keep my promises at all cost, no matter what. The important few in my world that have promised me? Their determination is the same as mine.

What about you and the promised in your world. What do they believe about your ability to stay 'true to your word', your promise-your vow, and what do you believe about them staying true to theirs?

All things considered, all subtle variables in view, I promise to never promise unless I feel that surge of adrenalin that drives me to honor and fight for it's intention.

Gail
peace.....