A Listen A Day Help Keeps The Assumptions Away
I’ve always had a problem with making assumptions. I’m that person who sits in those center benches at the mall and makes up stories of the people walking by. Guilty.
At first, I used to think I just had a wild imagination. After all, I am a writer. But as I’ve continued on my path, the everyday assumptions started to hinder me a bit. I don’t like. Really, it comes from a good place. I usually assume that someone is feeling a certain way and then try to offer a solution. When in reality, it’s probably not my place to fix and there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.
So I’ve decided to start listening without judgments. By truly listening, I allow the person to talk. And that’s how the healing process begins for them.
What I’ve found is that, usually, people don’t want your advice when they’re venting, anyway. So, all there is left to do is listen. Eventually, they may want your advice at a later time.
And while I might not have the perfect solution, I can offer what is right, spiritually. That knowing is really easy to find once I’ve connected to the quiet place inside of me — thanks to all the honest listening, which is basically a form of meditation. All of a sudden, assumptions aren’t even a factor anymore. They just can’t survive where there is love.
The solution? Don’t make an ass out of you and me. Listen, instead.
Elizabeth Halle
May 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM //
I love this post. It’s so true! Everyone has a story to tell, it’s just a matter of who’s listening.
xox Elizabeth