Challenge for growth prompts/#6/2/16/2016

I just started this challenge because I am all about growth. I started with number 2 and now I am going to play catch up the best I can. (not required) So, number 7 comes out tomorrow and I decided to work on number 6 today. Here is a link to find out more about the challenge Challenge for growth promt #6

This week is ” today I listen atentively”

We are asked to take one, two, or three days to think about this prompt. I am playing catch up so I am just going for what my mind brings to my fingers. Wih that said…..

I really was an actentive listener when I was younger. I did feel I had a voice so all I did was listen. If it was a man talking other than my husband I had to make sure I didn’t listen. Or there would be consquences. Well, you all get the picture. Now, more forward to currently.

I noticed awhile back when at a big family function that when I talked with some people there they were not listening to me really. They hardly made eye contact and would just say uhuh and yeah and shake their heads. I am not going to lie my immediate reaction to this feeling was thinking to myself “how dare they” and “what jerk’s!” But, only for a moment did I allow those negative feelings in my head. I replaced them with well “do I really listen” to everyone that speaks to me? Maybe there was a lot going on then and they could not listen atentively because their brains were not geared that way? Today, it’s about my actions and reactions to things around me. I am into self-improvement and being a atentive listener is a super awesome trait I need to practice. You would be surprised what you learn when you actually listen. From that moment on I try and practice that very thing. Listening!

I was presented last week with 2 of my sons having some major issues going on. Before when then were smaller their dad directed how we reacted to things they were going through really. I was silently active only when I was alone with them was I able to express what I thought about thier issues. Anyway, 4 years ago I started reacting. Almost too much I would have to say. I had to learn to listen more to them. This has brought us a lot closer. Back to last week. Instead of reacting or putting my two cents in while interupting their thoughts being expressed to me by actually opening up to me. I just listened. Thank goodness I did. When it was my turn to speak I had a plan on how to react because I took time while they spoke to decide what was it I was going to say or do to help. Even if there was nothing I could do as far as actions I could take. They were both receptive to me and listened, really listened to what I had to say.

I have much to learn about listening atentively for sure! But, I am learning from listening I know that. Where can you go wrong there?

Thanks Karuna for the lovely prompt!

 

 

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