R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts for R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Women

“Understand this: Words are a dime a dozen. Action and demonstration are much more powerful and meaningful.” Green and Elffers in The 48 Laws of Power

During my divorce and recovery, my brother suggested I read the book quoted above. Parts of it are a little on the edge, but much of it has wisdom that can be effectively applied in our situation. The illustrations are taken from historical situations and often contain much truth. In the middle of our midlife divorce recovery, most of us spend too much time arguing or trying to convince our wasbands to change their ways. “Making your opponent literally and physically feel your meaning is infinitely more powerful than argument.” I know that I personally thought that if I just said the right words, my wasband would recognize his errant ways and come back home. Obviously, none of my words did anything except make me look weak and foolish especially if I lost my temper or started crying in the process of trying to make my point. What usually gets “our adversary’s” attention is simply acting in a way that makes a difference. “If it does not matter in the long run whether the other person agrees with you – or if time and their own experience will make them understand what you mean – then it is best not even to bother with a demonstration. Save your energy and walk away.” And here is one final Image of the point being made in the Ninth Law of Power: “Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument.”

“Image: The Seesaw. Up and down and up and down go the
arguers, getting nowhere fast. Get off the seesaw and show
them your meaning without kicking or pushing. Leave them
at the top and let gravity bring them to the ground.”

Stop arguing today. Get off the seesaw. Your best arguments will most likely not change a thing. Give your energy to making the changes you need to make in your own life to have the future you want.

"The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words." Proverbs 10:19 (The Message)