Say What?

Hi, everyone! I know it has been a while since my last post, but I have been quite busy. I hope this post finds you all doing well and having enjoyed Father's Day.

Thought for today? The importance of listening.

I once was told that the most important part of communicating is listening. This stuck with me as one truth that I needed to remember. How many times have you felt that your friend, spouse, co-worker, or family member heard you but did not listen to you?

I implore you to listen; listen to what the person you are speaking with is saying. Look at them, keep your lips sealed, and really listen. We are so quick to chime in with our own stories that fit the situation or quick comments we want to share, but what often is compromised is the internalization of what was said. When we are busy thinking of what we want to respond with, we are closing our minds to what the other person wants us to understand. We hear, but we do not listen.

When we listen, we validate the other person. We tell them, "Yes, I understand what you are saying, and it is important to me." Isn't that what we want? We want others to understand what we feel. This can't be accomplished without listening. It takes a dose of selflessness. It takes one person focusing on another person and, for a moment, completely forgetting about him/herself and directing all attention to the friend or family member. I know it may seem like you are not doing a whole lot to alleviate the problem, but allowing a  person to share their feelings and having those feelings validated is incredibly beneficial and freeing.

Everyone loves a listener. This is a fact. Find people in your life that will genuinely listen to what you have to say; however, it is a two way street. You should always repay the favor. Zip the lip, and open your ears!