The art of thinking
© Thzainab
Day 004/100
#the100writingmarathom
As the saying goes, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few engage in it.” I have to admit, I’m guilty of this. At times, I do things without thinking. Ah, yes, thinking! Maybe it’s not at times, maybe it’s most of the time. If anything, I don’t like thinking too much, which is why most of the time I don’t do it at all. If I start thinking, I overthink and end up not doing anything. So, most times, I just say yes to things my heart desires without giving it much thought. As one of my favorite YouTubers would say, “Say yes now, figure it out later.” But the truth is, most times I don’t figure it out. However, I’d probably regret it more if I didn’t try at all.
I’ve never been one to “look before I leap”; I just jump and allow myself to navigate through it. It was easier not to think; I assumed nobody cared what I thought. I was used to not thinking; I liked it more when others told me what to do. You know, the quiet and shy usually don’t like talking or voicing their opinions, but their minds are very loud. If I hear people sharing their opinions on a particular topic, I’m probably not going to contribute, but in my head, I’ve analyzed and criticized everyone’s opinion. It’s like having a whole conversation in your head.
A conversation with a friend changed everything. She asked me, “So, what do you think?” I won’t lie; I froze. What do you mean, what do I think? I’m not supposed to do that; I’m supposed to just hear your opinions, reply to them in my head, and tell you it’s an amazing decision. Surprisingly, I took the chance and shared my thoughts with her. It felt good to know my thoughts mattered. While she agreed with some things, she disagreed with others and backed it up with why she did.
I used to believe people loved talking about themselves without caring about others, but that was wrong. While people do love talking about themselves, most people are also willing to learn from others; that’s how we grow. I realized I didn’t dislike thinking; I just liked the easy way out. I wasn’t afraid of speaking, but of not being heard.
“Or, what do you think?” changed something in me for the better, for the best. My point is, think, but try not to overthink; otherwise, you’ll end up not doing anything. So, why not say yes and figure it out later?.