To Be Heard…Listen

Our dreams can tell us what we want, what we worry about, and what we miss.  A nightmare, however, tells us only one thing…what we are afraid of.  Very few needs of a human heart exceed the desire to be heard, to be understood, to have a sense of belonging.  It’s something we all have in common.  No one wants to be on the outside looking in.  We fear our voice will not be heard, respected, or even valued.  And although we fully understand the importance of good communication and the impact it can have on us and those around us.  As we converse with others, we find ourselves formulating our next response instead of listening intently.  I know I’m guilty of this, how about you? In conversations, do you spend your quiet time plotting your next response instead of allowing your mind to be fully present?

It’s human nature to want to be heard and understood but in order to make a difference and influence others we need to be able to LISTEN.  Let’s be honest, that’s exactly what we would expect others to do for us.  Today, listen deeply and sincerely, be different, suspend your personal agenda long enough to presently listen to someone else.