“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?…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, Different Seasons

 The important things. They are the things we hold close, we grasp too tightly, we bury beneath the layers of smiles and laughter and “I’m good, How are you’s?” because we’re afraid of what will happen if we let them out.

Will you think about Stephen King’s words, then write and tell me how these wise words resonate with you?

I had this idea—to post a quote each week and for us to share with one another how it resonates in our lives—because Jeff Goins challenged me at a conference to write what I love. And I love to read the wisdom of the ages, to think about the wise words from across time and cultures, and to explore what others think these words, too. I’m interested in all sorts of ideas, so each month, I’ll choose a different theme. In March, we’ll start with wise words about Relationships.

This week, on Wednesday, I’ll post about how Stephen King’s words about the most important things are significant to me. But more importantly, I’d like to know how his words relate to your life, your relationships, your career, or your children. I’m interested in your story.

I decided to do it this way—to post the quote on Monday and link to our stories on Wednesdays—so that you could have some time to ruminate and write. I hope you’ll write from the heart and that we’ll learn from each other. On Fridays, I’ll write another post and link to some of my favorites from Wednesday.

If you have questions, please leave me a comment and let me know.

On Wednesday, post your thoughts on your own blog, then come back here and link up. When you post, be sure to include a link here, so others know where to go if they’d like to join. If you prefer, you can also leave your thoughts in the comments of my post on Wednesday. Either way, be sure to check out the writing of someone else who links up. It’s a great way to build community in the wonderful world of writers and bloggers.

Got it? See you Wednesday.