LET'S BE HONEST...

Today, I don't know what I want to write about. I've written through a couple of drafts already and nothing seems right for today. I could write about how I recently discovered a man who makes mermaid tails and if I had 3 grand to drop, I would totally buy one, or I could write about how Chelsea is growing increasingly opinionated and tends to flop down on her behind and cry in a little tantrum. I could write about how the man nearest and dearest to my heart is very talented at getting my hopes up when a package arrives on our doorstep only two days after my birthday, and when he is texted about it gives cryptic answers before telling me to open it and I discover it's just some workout equipment he bought using amazon points. I could write about how I just finished a Chevron Dress for a customer on Etsy and how cute it turned out or I could write about the black bean soup I invented last night.
But I don't really feel like writing about any of those things. Today, I want to say thank you. At the beginning of this year, I made a resolution that I would reach 100 followers via GFC and because of you, I've done it! I have made so many kind and talented people through blogging and am amazed at the depth that writing can take us into the lives of those around us. I think about how some of these people I may not have even given a second thought to if I saw them walking down the street or even met them once in a restaurant or bookstore, but writing about oneself is an interesting thing. You're able to share your point of view with anyone who is reading, and if they don't know you already, the only opinion they receive of you is the one you give of yourself. The reader learns about you and your situations and comes to understand what you've been through and can sometimes relate. This strange bond grows between the two of you as you come to fully understand the writer and why they do the things they do. Maybe the reason writing is such a beautiful tool is because it allows you to say what you want to say without being interrupted. Those reading can get a full picture of an idea, situation, or story before formulating an opinion.
I wonder if this same phenomenon would take place if we became more of a listener than a talker. What if we decided that instead of disliking an individual because of something they've done, that we would listen to them instead? Would it make a difference in our relationships if we decided to hear their side of the story before jumping to conclusions? Would we be more sympathetic to those around us? What more could we have learned about the person we're speaking with if we hadn't interrupted them?
Although it is not ideal, nor helpful, to remain silent at all times, I believe that when we are better listeners, we are better friends, siblings, spouses, or parents. As we strive for the ability to listen, we not only learn more about those talking, but we learn more about ourselves, and so do others. I want to be a listener.

Thank you for listening to me, and thank you for all of your happy birthday wishes! I count myself a very lucky person to have friends like you! Have a great weekend!

-Sue