As a shy child I had a tendency to whisper. It made it difficult for people to hear me and frustrated me to have to repeat myself multiple times. Now, as an adult, I use that memory as a reminder both for myself and for the people I interact with during my day.
When someone is talking, am I truly listening? Am I being present with what they are trying to share? Is there a way to help them feel confident enough to say what they may be holding back?
Am I speaking up for myself or am I whispering? What message do I want to give voice to and who am I choosing to listen? Are they listening?
For me, the concept of speaking up goes hand in hand with self-worth. It is the confidence of knowing that my thoughts are worthy of sharing that allows me to open my mouth.
It reaffirms that when I choose to speak to people that respect me enough to listen. I want to respect the people who choose to speak to me by listening as well. Yet if someone is not listening to me, that is not a reflection of my self-worth it is a reflection of their respect and a reminder to me to choose to surround myself with people who can share respect.
I'm grateful to have found my voice. I'm grateful for the memories of frustration at not being heard that help me be aware of how important it is to listen. I'm grateful for the times I have realized that what I was voicing was someone else's opinions and allowed myself to change it. I'm grateful for the times I have felt truly heard. I'm grateful for all the people who listen to me when I need to talk and I'm grateful to reciprocate. I'm grateful to practice my listening skills every day as I listen to my daughter gain more and more language.
What do you want to say that you felt hasn't been heard? Do you listen and allow others to feel heard?
May today remind us to listen as much as we speak. May we all feel heard and respected. Have a beautiful day!