Pay It Forward by Listening
Have you ever felt like no-one listens to you? I mean REALLY listens to you? They are usually too busy waiting for you to quit talking because they want to tell you something.. sometimes to the point that they continually interrupt others.
When I catch myself interrupting others while they are talking (and yes, I have done that, much to my sorrow and regret), I try to stop it.. slow down... and pay attention to what the other person is saying. Sometimes I'll quickly write something down while listening.. something that they said or maybe something that I want to add to the conversation. The talker usually does not take it badly that I made a note while they were listening.. it indicates that I did not want to lose my thought and I did not want to interrupt them.
I have found that I don't have to correct someone when they say something that I know better... I don't have to tell the story that I thought was funny but someone else might not think so.. I don't have to say, "yes, but.." I have found that there is great pleasure in being quiet and letting others talk. :)
There are days when I sincerely feel that no-one listens to me and I know that others feel that way too. So I have been purposely zipping the lip and listening...to others in the line in front of me or behind me at Wal-Mart, to my children and grandchildren, to my husband.. you'll be surprised how good it makes them feel when you REALLY listen and you know what? It makes me feel good to make them feel good.. there is also a good feeling that comes from having control of your mouth... just food for thought this Sunday morning.. paying it forward by listening.
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