Sorta. Kinda. Maybe.

“Do you want to do it?  Sorta.  Do you like it?  Kinda.  Are you ready?  Maybe.”  Sorta.  Kinda. Maybe.

Sort of.  In some way or another.  You see or understand vaguely or slightly.  You are not fully committed, nor do you fully understand or accept.  Life is full of “sort of’s.”  Someone tries to explain an issue, why something needs to happen, or how something works.  Your mind tries to comprehend, but how it was explained may not make sense to you or fit into your value system.

Kind of.  Not definitive, but similar to or to some extent, not quite but somewhat.  You are not ready to fully commit or make the decision.  You kind of like it.  You might want to go.  You do not want to be pushed or rushed.  You are still thinking.

Maybe.  Perhaps.  It is a possibility.  It has a chance that it will happen or that you will do it in the future.  You are not making a commitment.  You may be waiting for more details or information.  Maybe is also a way of letting the other person down slowly.  It is “no”, but you do not want to be direct.

Sorta.  Kinda. Maybe. You may not use these exact words, but this concept is evident in your life when you are unsure and do not know the decision to make.  You “sort of” understand but you are not willing to admit that you have no clue.  There is nothing wrong with not knowing everything or not knowing what other people assume everyone should be knowledgeable.  Admit it.  “Hey, I do not understand.  Would you please explain what you are talking about with me?”  Ask questions to clarify.  It does not make you look dumb because nobody can make you feel any emotion.  If you accept what another person is trying to put on you – like you are dumb – that is your fault for accepting it.  Ask questions if you do not understand or it does not make sense to you.  That is the way you grow and learn.

When you are unsure if you want to go some place or experience something new, ask yourself why you are holding back.  If you are afraid you will not like it, you will not know unless you try it.  If you are afraid you will fail, it is not failure if you try and learn from it.  Sometimes we need to do things afraid and try new adventures.

Maybe keeps you on the fence of life.  What more information do you need?  Who do you need to be with you in doing something new or making a decision?  It is also fine to say “no.”  Sometimes you say “maybe” when you really mean “no” because you do not want to offend or hurt someone’s feelings.  It is saying, “Thank you for asking, but no.”  You do not need to explain and give reasons or excuses.  Your word is all that is needed.  Other times you need to get out of your box and try new experiences.  You need to follow through and find out if you like something or not.

Sorta. Kinda. Maybe.  It is a process but do not get stuck and never make a decision. 

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different