Beech Tree News Network

I’ve noticed that, as I get older, I get more opinionated.  There’s both good and bad to that axiom.  It’s good for me because, well, I write an opinion column.  It’s kind of my job to have an opinion. Also, if you didn’t have an opinion and voice it, people won’t know what you think.  In certain instances, you will be asked for input, your opinion.  People want to know, and you should give that information.

Voicing your opinion is never easy.  If you didn’t say it, there is virtually no chance you get the desired outcome.  Yes, there is a very slim chance that someone shares that opinion, brings it up, and gets their way, which in turn would be your way.  Why risk that, though? Better to say what’s on your mind than say nothing at all. 

Have trouble voicing your opinion? Think about this scenario: you’re about to place your order at a restaurant.  The person in line behind you tells the cashier you’ll have a double cheeseburger. What you really wanted was a chicken sandwich.  Would you sit quietly and eat the burger that Joe Blow ordered for you? I don’t think so.  Here’s another example where the stakes are at a higher personal level.  Let’s say you’re at lunch with a very pretty girl.  She’s a friend but you want to transition that friendship into more.  If you don’t voice your opinion (there’s that word again), the possibility of getting more out of said relationship is non-existent. Trust me; this one has stung me more than a few times!

I’ve gotten a lot better at voicing my opinion these past several years. It has made some people mad, that’s a small price to pay for speaking your mind.  The Nike slogan “Just Do It” would certainly apply. The 1992 En Vogue song “Free Your Mind” also comes in hand here. Well, the title anyway.  The bottom line is: sharing your opinion is much better than going through life with a case of the “what if’s”. 

Hello, my name is Andy Sullivan. I received my bachelor’s degree in business from Mid-Continent University in May 2009. I began writing for Beech Tree News in July 2009.  I enjoy playing guitar, the occasional Wii game, writing, and listening to music. I write a sports blog that can be found at http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sports-news-and-views.  If you have a comment, feel free to leave it in the space below.