Are You Full of Balloon Juice
I love my grandfather. He’s a silent, thoughtful man. He’s slow to speak, but when he does, you just know to pay attention. He’s full of wisdom and knows how to deliver a message straight-forward and laced with love. Young, old and in between come to him for advice. He’s affectionately known as ‘Mr. Eddie’. Eddie Johnson is the name given to him at birth. The ‘Mr.’ comes from the respect that he’s earned.
One of the many things that I remember him teaching me was the importance and the power of ‘your Word’. He would remind me that if I gave my Word (promised, committed myself) that I should do everything within my power to honor it. And if I find that I am either unwilling or unable then I should be sure to speak with the person that I promised and let them know of the change in plan. He also reminded me that there was nothing wrong with changing my mind or even finding that I was not able to honor my commitment. The ‘wrong’ was in not informing the other person of the change.
As I grew from a little girl to a young woman, I watched him practice this over and over again. He honored his commitment(s). He kept his word(s). Today I endeavor to live my life by this principle….Be Impeccable With Your Word. I refuse to be full of BALLOON JUICE.
Know what balloon juice is? Let me paint a picture. Imagine being a kid again. Your parents buy you a bag of balloons. You go through the bag to find that PERFECT balloon. You know, the long, bright colored, curvy one. You stretch it out and prepare to inflate it. You blow and blow and blow. Then just as you are ready to tie it up at the end… it burst. You know the wet stuff that splashes back in your face? Well that’s balloon juice. Yep, balloon juice is nothing more than SPIT.
Now let me explain the difference between your word and your Word. Your word (small case) has to do with the things you say. They make up sentences, phrases that you speak and write. They come out as opinions, comments, and/or thoughts in your head. On the other hand your Word is much more. Your Word (upper case) has to do with the POWER and INTENT you have to create through every kind of expression you make. You create through multiple types of expression including emotions, attitudes and actions.
To master being impeccable with your word will take many moments of practice. Being impeccable with your Word is not just about keeping your Word. Being impeccable with your word has more to do with expressing your self in the direction of truth and love. It’s about filling the balloon with the right amount of air so that it does not burst causing a spray of that good ole balloon juice. Words are powerful. Therefore, it is important to use your words carefully. The way you express your self will impact your life, and others. You have to be aware of what you say, and how you express your self to others. People love balloons; however, they aren’t so fond of BALLOON JUICE.
Keeping my Word,
J-licious
I am particulary inspired by this post as I too and the grandchild of “Mr. Eddie” and have been dealing with a few showers of balloon juice myself this past season. I do remember being taught the importance of truth and power of honoring your Word.
Somewhere along the past few generations, we seem to have lost this Godly principle in our relationships and dealings with others. As a woman, I let it be known in no uncertain terms that I reserve the right to ‘change my mind’. However, as a courtesy to the other party and out of respect to myself and kharma, I make every effort to inform other people that the ‘rules to the ride’ have changed.
Balloon juice is worthless and on top of that – it just plain ole stinks!! Thanks for reminding me to continue my commitment to self about being a woman of my Word. I find myself being in the eyes of many others, including those of my daughters, neighbors, and community at large, and would hate to be found full of balloon juice.
Thanks for sharing,
BB