I Don’t Talk Too Much But I Have A Lot to Say

Written By Joanne Arballo

When I was a kid, I often got reprimanded for talking too much. LOL! My older sister (by only 18 months) was more reserved and would happily stand by while I over-confidently stood before the decision-makers, aka our parents, with our latest urgent request. Of course, I would accompany each request with plenty of reasons that made sense to us why their answer should be, “Yes!”

  • Watching more TV? The Brady Bunch was about to start!  

  • Staying up late? We’re not tired!

  • Going outside to play? Our friends are out there!   

Sometimes my sister would dispatch me to ask for something that only she wanted. So, my pitch would begin, “Susie wants to know if… [fill in the blank]” To which our dad would reply, somewhat sternly, “Then let Susie come here and ask for herself.” 🤭

Those days are far behind us now. While my sister has done wonderful things speaking up for herself, some things never change: I still feel confident going before decision makers and I continue to use my voice for others. It’s hard to believe that those silly topics that meant so much during my childhood became relatable for me as an adult:  

  • Watching TV: Being married and raising a family for almost 40 years has involved watching traditional TV and, as time went on, streaming services. Contrary to TV’s bad rap, it hasn’t turned our brains into mush. Through entertaining moments, silly movies and coverage of national crises or elections, our family has bonded, conversed and developed critical thinking skills.

  • Staying up late: I’ve definitely stayed up well past my bedtime chasing the elusive and mysterious work-life balance for more than three decades. I envy my childhood self who was quick to claim she wasn’t tired! Whether it was waiting for a load of uniforms to dry for PE class, softball or football games, washing the last few dishes left in the sink, prepping for an early morning conference call, or packing a lunch box, those working years were full and included lots of late nights.

  • Going outside to play: Rounding out my hat trick of life, I’ve gone outside to “play” with a wonderful team of difference makers, community partners and emergency responders who advocated for child passenger safety during my 20+ years of nonprofit work. And many friends are still out there working on issues near and dear to their hearts.   

That’s why I’m excited to launch this blog: to share reflections, insights, and experiences accumulated from priceless trips around the sun. Moments that I hope you find relatable from your own childhood, family, career or calls to serve. I’ll do my best to appeal to everyone from boomers to Gens X, Y and Zers. Thanks in advance for reading along so far 🙋🏽‍♀️

I don’t think I talk too much, but I have a lot to say.

Joanne Arballo