(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
When you know who you really are, that is to say, your values, you know when to remain firm and when to yield. It’s the old metaphor of the tree with strong roots and a limber trunk bending in the wind, while the tree with shallow roots and/or a rigid trunk will blow over or break. When you have clarity about your Self, you can easily yield to conditions when it’s called for and remain firmly on your course the rest of the time.
When you are not sure what you stand for, or are in need of approval by others, or have no personal vision for your future, then you will be wishy-washy, changing your mind and direction with no apparent plan.
Flexibility is attractive. Wishy-washy is not.
Copyright 2000 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.
