I'm the kind of person who loves speaking my mind instead of keeping quiet. So many people don't speak up about what is bothering them and instead would want to remain silent. Remaining silent can never help you but can keep your mode of thinking shallow.
Truth can always be bitter, but that one person you have told the truth that has seen it so bitter can at least sit himself down when he or she is in a quiet place.
I always say the truth at all times and can never stand a chance of downgrading my personality.
In the community I lived in, my street happened to be one of the popular street aside so many streets. I'm just a mere petty trader who sells foodstuffs. Everyone in my street has known me for whom I'm and also know me as Mama Harrison. I talk, but to my limit.
In my street, there is this man who is a politician. He has so many cars and people always bow for to him forgetting what they have to say that would bring good shape to the street. The street is full of potholes. I guess the last time they tarred the road was during the old days. I summoned courage to speak to him the very moment he came by to my shop buying airtime.
“Please, Sir, don't be angry with what I have to say to you”, I said just to put myself at a safer side.
“Ho ahead, woman”, he replied, but then I weighed his reply to what I have to say and does not match. It was as if his tune were at the high side. I never have up in what I have to say to him.
“You are a strong politician and this road is like this. The street nearer to ours has been in a good shape just because of the politician in that street” I said.
He looked at me and said, “woman, you are rude”,
“I'm sorry Sir, but it is what has been bothering me and if I did not take it off my mind, I will not forgive myself”, I replied.
“Anyway, you are the first person who would stand in front of me to say this”, he said while starting his car and zoomed off.
I was so happy that I had spoken my mind, and at least it is to my benefit and to the benefit of those living in this street. No one wants to talk, but they have this same thing in mind. I cannot die in silence and so must speak my mind. This was what I had done.
After a week, he refused to buy airtime in my shop. To me, I thought it was what I had said to him that got him angry. One night, he drove down to my shop again to buy airtime. I used that opportunity to apologize, but then remained on my existing words. “It would be better if the road is out in order”, I said.
“Madam, I will see what I will do”, his reply came as a shock to me.
“I was not angry with what you had told me. I now knew that I was overlooking my duties for something else. Thanks for opening my eyes”, he replied.
Two months later, I saw from the beginning of the street that a truck full of bitumen has been brought in. And another truck with granite. So, they started serious work on the road and after two weeks, the road came back to a hood shape.
I knew no one would thank me, but I thank myself for making this fight.
So, while dealing with people of power and influence, we should not be shy to talk to them. Pour out your mind and I bet you, that will be done. Most people always fear them, thinking they would arrest them if they talk too much or if they alter to words to them. Mind you, they are human being like you, and they are not lions nor are they tiger. The truth is that, you must not stand a chance to abuse them in their presence as this can take you too far and even bringing your personality to the lowest level before them.
