July 29, 2017
When Someone has a story or a situation/problem they need to share with you, are you truly there in the moment with them?
I like to believe I am a better person and that I give my undivided attention, but sometimes I fade out and start to think of my own problems or my anticipated response to their situation.
My friend, Mary Fleming-Leslie, wrote a short article on this subject and I believe it is something we should take to heart. Please read her article below and leave some comments for her.
“I write about myself and my life on FB all the time. In real life, I rarely talk about myself.
If the truth be told, most people I interact with have little interest in conversing about me. Not because they dislike me, but because people seem more interested in talking about themselves and their lives.
As soon as I start to talk about myself, they switch the conversation around and it becomes about them. That is not intended as a criticism, just an observation. I do have several friends who are very generous with their listening and interest (and I hope you know who you are).
Most of them I met through my work. I think that speaks volumes about the kind of people RCAC draws for employment: people who are aware of and concerned about the lives of those beyond their immediate cluster.
Lately, I’ve caught my brain wandering when someone is talking about himself or herself. That’s not who I want to be. I hereby resolve to bring myself back into the moment and really listen without just waiting for my opportunity to respond or tell my story.”
By Mary Fleming-Leslie
Thank you, Mary for sharing your story. Let’s all take her suggestion to heart. Start now, listen with your heart and with full attention. Be there with the speaker.
Until next time, take care. lw