“The most important things are the hardest to say. They are the things you get ashamed of, because words diminish them -- words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living size when they're brought out. But it's more than that, isn't it? The most important things lie too close to wherever your secret heart is buried, like landmarks to a treasure your enemies would love to steal away. And you may make revelations that cost you dearly only to have people look at you in a funny way, not understanding what you've said at all, or why you thought it was so important that you almost cried while you were saying it. That's the worst, I think. When the secret stays locked within not for want of a tellar but for want of an understanding ear.”
― Stephen King
― Stephen King
I'm afraid to even put it here because it makes so much sense to me. It will resonate for some of you but others? Others may shake their heads and wonder what the hell she is talking about. My guess is that for the latter group either a) you have access to someone who really "gets" you or b) you aren't visited by secret thoughts. Lucky you.
I don't know anything about secret thoughts, but I am familiar with understanding ears. I have two of them, Baby, open 24/7.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxoxoxo
DeleteMy secret thoughts would find me in an insane asylum. lol
ReplyDeleteActually, believe it or not, I have many ideas for inventions.
And, believe it or not, I invented what is now the Kindle when I was 8, broke my arm, and couldn't hold the book I had to read.
Never procrastinate.
I believe it.
DeleteDoes anyone ever totally reveal themselves to another? I shudder to think what it would be like if all of my thoughts, especially those locked inside of my secret heart, were not silent, but were readily available for anyone and everyone to “hear”.
ReplyDeleteI do understand, though, how important it is to have someone readily available to “hear” those hidden away thoughts, if and/or when I do choose to reveal.
Interesting stuff , though -- It goes to show how important being connected and accepted really is, heh?
DeleteWow. Who knew? Stephen King is not just a writer of creepy scary things, but profound things as well. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Judy, Stephen King is so much more than a writer of creepy , scary things. A few years back, he published a book entitled On Writing -- good stuff!
DeleteI understand that completely. I try to be the understanding ear for others but the worst is when I have something to say and they don't want to return the favor. Listening is an act of giving too.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - listening is often the best gift one can give or receive.
DeleteSuch a great quote. I have been pondering a somewhat similar one from Schmutzie.com. And I second Mark-- I will listen, too. Anyway, Schmutzie wrote:
ReplyDelete“If I see a real and meaty you, I am better able to recognize the real and meaty me, and then someone else sees that in me and so in turn in themselves, and on it goes.
We don't have to devote our lives to appeals for the most minimal levels of social power and acceptance.
We can become real and inconvenient and complicated and sometimes ugly and memorable and loveable and honest and bright.
We can become known.”
Elan Morgan @ Schmutzie.com
http://www.schmutzie.com/weblog/2012/2/25/we-can-become-known.html
WOW! That is some post! I read the whole thing and I love it -- LOVE what she says. I have to start reading more of her. Thanks for this comment, Melanie --
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so glad. Sometimes reading a little bit of Schmutzie is enough to get my head turned around in a good way. I think that was the post that she got one of the Voices of the Year award for from Blogher.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense to me...
ReplyDeleteI know EXACTLY what you are talking about.
XXOO