Stop Talking; Start Listening

There has never been a time in life that most of us have needed to Stop Talking and Start Listening. In most of our conversations in public; we just do not listen carefull. We are in the middle of something we think is important. We do not take the time to listen carefully, especially at work but also with our family who really needs our undivided attention; all the time. The reason I say this is because I sometimes speak very quickly or answer a question without even thinking about what has really been said. Do I do this intentionally? No, but it is time for me to take stock of this habit; even if I am busy, and analyze what kind of impression I am making on others. I need to take the time to respond with intelligence and in a manner of respect because someone might actually be qualified to tell me something I need to know.

Often times we are in such a hurry, running here and there we do not pay attention to others period; others who might have a need that we could possibly help them with. For that matter, we think our life is more important than anyone else's feelings; so we just say something to put them off. We may be missing out on some very important information. In fact we may be missing out on important relationship messages that we need but are not getting; because we can't Stop Talking and really listen. If we were to Stop Talking and Start Listening, we just might know why our children are not satisfied in sitting at the kitchen table playing games. We also just might learn why our spouse had rather work until nine in the evening.

Words can create and destroy. They can give hope, make life brighter or they can make life darker. Words can break a spirit and they can cause grief...words are one of the most powerful and potent ways of communication. Words spoken can leave a calm or they can cause a storm. We can think anything we want and it doesn't hurt anyone, but the spoken word, once it is said, can never be taken back. We may say we are sorry, we may feel like a heel, once said, too late. The receiving end of those words may say its okay, I forgive, but harsh words are like onions, you can taste them for awhile.

Most of us do not listen. We hear, but we do not listen. If we could listen more, there would be less tension and friction, in all of our relationships, home, office, friends, family and foe. When we listen, we then need to discern (understand) and take a moment to respond with the right attitude and tone of voice. Tone of voice is ever so important and if someone is not tactful, I get offensive, no, not meaning to, not intentionally but with all honesty, I want to defend myself for whatever reason. Kind of human, don't you think? Most people have a defensive attitude about work. We work for money, but we also work for respect and we want our work to be noticed. When we have tried to do a great job on a project and ask another's opinion and someone says; "Oh, I would not have done it that way; if you had done this." Well, it hurts our feeling and our ego. Being sensitive to how people feel is such an important part of everyday life and most of it boils down to "Stop Talking and Start Listening; everybody deserves a pat on the back for hard work."

Most of us ordinary humans who strive to be good people really do not intend to hurt others as we sometimes do with our words. We do not practice being quick to listen or slow to speak and we certainly do not Stop Talking and Start Listening as we should.  Maybe we start now! As we start to take the time to realize exactly how we are communicating with others.  When everybody is talking and no one is listening; nothing is resolved in relationships.  Someone has to be willing to shut up!

There is nothing more disturbing than to have a misunderstanding of words, and saying I did not mean it.  Once said; can't take them back.  If we are to become more emotionally intelligent and conscious of our perception to others; we must put a zipper on lips and in so doing...start listening. Listen before we speak and then respond in a tone that brings calm, respectful manner and with a mellow spirit; regardless of what has been said. A quiet response can change the tone of what has been said, it can change the frame of mind of the speaker and it can end what could have been a useless conversation. In doing this I believe I will bring to my life more power and better relationships and less misunderstandings.

Change your thoughts,  Forgiveness, Healing-Prayer-Faith

 Personal Growth,  Taking Action