My fabulous blogger friend Tolly wrote about how she focused on a New Year's Word as opposed to a New Year's Resolution. I love this concept. Because of teaching, I often think of years as running with the school year-- from fall to the beginning of summer. So why not pick a New Year's Word now? Especially because I've really honed in on one: Listen.
The fact is, I love to talk. There's a reason that I'm a reading specialist and a writer. I love words! I process things by talking about them, and I even find myself saying things to people so they know I'm relating to them. So they know I'm listening and connecting. Instead of, um, you know. Just listening.
This year I want to:
Listen to those around me.
Listen to my body when it needs something.
Listen to nature and the sounds of the planet.
Listen to those who need help.
Listen to stories from the past.
Listen to ideas different than my own.
Listen to the unlistened-to.
Stop talking. And just listen.
I hope that in the end, I say fewer words.
But that they mean more.
8 comments:
This is so great! I was just last night helping my two friends write out their vows for their wedding ceremony, and we were talking about what it means to really listen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. :)
Thanks, Kori. How cool that you were helping your friends write their vows! What an incredible privilege.
This is something I always want to be better at. I hate when I find myself talking instead of listening. Listening and really hearing someone is so important, and it is harder to achieve than one might think. Thanks for this post, I think I am going to focus on listening to those around me more.
Sydney-- Yes, it's SO much harder to do than you think! Like exercising. Ha! :)
This is absolutely beautiful. You inspire me, dear friend.
Thank you, Liz! YOU inspire me!!!
I love resolutions, especially at the start of the school year. You area great listener already, Amy, so I can't wait to hear about what you discover as you hone this skill. :)
Thanks, Kathryn! New school years and new years always have so much promise. I never get tired of that!
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