Honesty and Help

I understand.
I get it.
I know.

But do I?  Really?

Or have I learned to survive across three decades to show confidence to mask my fear?  Unknowingly, do my typical answers above make me come across as close minded and arrogant?

I’m learning with some help from others that I do in fact shut people down and push them away with my language.  I’m not only deceiving myself, I’m closing myself off from help and experience I need in my life.

Why not try…

I don’t understand.  Could you explain that to me?
I don’t get it.  Can you tell me more?
I don’t know.  Would you be willing to help me?

I’m reminded of The Power of A Question.

I’m learning that I don’t have to have all the answers.  It’s not a sign of weakness.  Most people aren’t going to laugh at me or take advantage of me — most people would be very willing to help if I let them.  If I’m willing to make myself vulnerable, be honest with myself and others and ask for help I will in turn find strength, support and insight.

Just for today, I will try to stay open-minded and honest.