Are YOU Listening?

I'm sure you've heard this before, but I think it's worth repeating.

Communication is about listening.

We have this backward way of thinking that communication is about talking and being heard. Yes, that is part of the equation, yet maybe it's about attempting to understand the other person first?

You already know to have a genuine conversation requires both parties to stay open and do their best to understand the other person. And yet I can probably guess that there is someone in your life where maybe you've made up YOUR mind about a specific person, their actions, and their beliefs.

We all have them, including me.

Unfortunately, the loving act of communicating is not taught in life. Even our well-intentioned parents are just as handicapped as everyone else. It's like the blind leading the blind. No wonder we're all carrying some form of the pain of not being seen, validated, or heard. No wonder why social media is our go-to place to feel validated. No wonder why when we don't get it from social media, it can sting in a worse way.

Communication is a vital part of living with others. And we can't get it "right" until we learn HOW to listen to someone else's perspective, honestly.

I'm sharing this realization because I see the long-lasting effects of poor communication skills as a child. But, again, I'm not blaming anyone for it. It's just an observation.

And if you want to see where there is a breakdown in communication, a.k.a listening, just look at the people you stopped talking to because you think they're a certain type of way. The breakdown in the relationship will most likely lead back to the unwillingness to listen and understand THEM.

To be clear, this doesn't mean those people will reciprocate or will agree. They might not be ready to be open and understanding. They could still think you're in the wrong and not be ready to hear you out. And that's the beauty of taking ownership of our lives as adults.

The power to change painful relationships is in our hands. We get to put on our big boy pants and start the conversation by first looking at it from their point of view. Then the door to being heard can be established, which leads to a new way to communicate, release old pain, and forge a stronger connection.

I know this is possible. Now it's time to put it into practice.

With lots of LOVE,
Teresa

#plantingseeds #dreamsdocometrue #yourgreatnessiscalling #moveonpurpose