How many of us really know how to Listen?

Can you recall a time when you were expressing your feelings or accomplishments to someone and then all of a sudden the conversation took a turn and became solely about them? Or in a disagreement with you and another person(s), no one could make out anything due to yelling and screaming? Yes, I’m sure we have all been there. What is usually accomplished in those situations? Absolutely nothing.

We live in a world where there are many customs and traditions which comes along with many different views on life choices, religion, family dynamics,career, politics, the media, sports etc.. We must remember:
1. not everyone is meant to be friends
2. everyone will NOT always agree with your opinions and beliefs
3. Sometimes people just want to vent without hearing feedback and if they do want feedback more than likely that will be stated before the story is told.
4. You can’t change people’s thoughts. Once people have an opinion in their heads its little to nothing you can do to make them see things Your way (refer to #2).Other’s are able to change their minds but its on their terms not yours. So accept their position and if you don’t then keep it moving.

Relationships are about Relating therefore, how you communicate is key. Try to listen before you speak or just be silent. To get your point across you don’t have to yell and shout. Yelling and shouting only raises your blood pressure and creates more disrespect between you and the person you are talking to.

In this upcoming week, I challenge everyone to LISTEN more and find other creative ways to get your point across without interrupting someone or yelling at them. Let me know how it goes!

Nikki