Mr Roger's Words of Wisdom

"The purpose of life is to listen - to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world and to God and, when the time comes, to respond in as helpful a way as you can find... from within and without."


Fred Rogers

Perfect don't you think? If only we all practiced this more often. Too often, its about only hearing enough of what the other person says to be able to respond back with your own "important" opinion. I'll admit I am guilty of this also. So I am practicing, listening actively, by hearing what the other person says and then repeating it back to them. If they respond with a positive return, I know I actually heard them. Its particularly hard to practice when it's someone that wants to take the conversation in their own direction, stepping it up a notch and only applying their concerns or own position. I have to remind myself, that they don't realize my objective and keep on track actively listening to them and their concerns, patience and actively responding back to their concerns will allow them to feel heard and empowered to actively listen to me also. Wish it was as easy as it sounds.