A Change in Communication...

Recently I've been realizing how much I say that doesn't need to be said when I'm conversing with people...

I find myself getting so excited when I feel like I have something to add to a situation that I just HAVE to respond!  It is all to easy for me to analyze another person's situation and determine the perfect direction for them; to see what they're not seeing because they're too close and emotionally involved to see it themselves.  It's hard to resist giving my input in a situation even when it's not requested, and I see now how this can sometimes be the exact opposite of helpful.  At times, I don't have the whole story...sometimes I piece things together and come to conclusions that are not entirely accurate.  When this happens, I find myself interrupting people's thoughts and even stopping them from coming to their own solutions in their life.  The more I've found myself biting my tongue, the more rewarding I've found interactions with people.  I find that when I wait for people to ASK for the question they need answered, I'm actually a lot more helpful to them and I usually know the appropriate amount of information with which to give them a better direction.  I've heard the statement "Most of us don't listen to understand, we listen to respond", and this is so much more the truth for me than I've ever realized.  My good and helpful intentions were always there, but my technique was a little outdated....so I'm making a change!!

It is my intention from now on to listen more and talk less!  I'm going to try to ask more questions and really listen to understand.  I'm going to wait for people to ask for my input before I give it, and when I do it will be without analysis and for the purpose of helping them to find more happiness in their lives.  

Listening more makes Sense!!

Jess