Listening: A lost art?

We all have stories.
​Some to remember, and some to forget. Right?

We all matter. We all want to be heard.
To bridge the gap
and stop the destruction of divisiveness
We need to COMMUNICATE differently.

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People have different opinions. ​
​That doesn’t mean they are bad or wrong. I like butter on my popcorn. Especially when someone else buys and shares. Other people don’t like butter. Some people don’t even like popcorn – if you can believe that.

If I listen even when I disagree.
Maybe I'll learn something 
AND
Then perhaps you’ll listen to me.

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Consider this response:
​I may not agree with your opinion. I will agree that you have the right to speak. You have different experiences than I do. When I listen, I can and will learn. I still might not agree with your opinion. I will always do my best to honor your opinion. AND I  will always consider you a dear friend. Your heart is in the right place. We all need to feel heard.

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How often do we just need someone to listen to us? 

​Recently I bumped into someone I haven’t seen for a few years. During our conversation I asked about her husband.
“He passed away last year. We were married for 28 years.”
That opened up an opportunity for me to listen. She shared stories about how he died. We connected. She felt heard. She even thanked me for caring about her. And – we even danced a few times.

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Remember people count. 
Dance with Democrats. 
Dance with Republicans. 
Dance with Independents.
And if you can’t dance physically, 
dance with your eyes, your heart,
​and your kind loving spirit.
Just DANCE. ​

Creating a kinder world through writing, music and
​the power of Encouragement