Picture this:
You’re in the grocery store, grabbing the usual things for the week ahead. You pass someone in the cereal aisle, a complete stranger, and give them a smile in recognition. A worker is stacking pasta on a shelf while you’re trying to decide what looks best for tonight’s spaghetti, and you offer a quick, friendly hello. At the check-out, someone in front of you is a dollar short, so you dig in your pocket for some change and offer what you have.
These are all small things, normal things, that we just do without thinking. If someone drops something, we offer to help them pick it up. If a person is struggling to load groceries in their car, we lend a hand. The fact of the matter is, we don’t take much pride in these small gestures, just because it’s the right thing to do. That person you smiled at? She could be going through a rough divorce and your smile could have lit up her day.
You never know the impact of your actions on others. You have the power to turn someone’s day, week, or even entire life around by just being you. Smile more. Lend a hand, just because it feels right.
Want to know one of the biggest ways to make a difference without even going out of your way? It has nothing to do with what you say to people, but everything to do with how you listen to them. Say what? Yup! It’s true.
Check out today’s video to pick up what I’m puttin’ down!
After you watch this video, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments down below. What’s something remarkable you learned by actually listening this way? Is there someone in your life that you haven’t been listening to very generously? What are you going to do now? Listening to someone and really hearing them can be the biggest gift you can give.
And always remember, it might not seem a lot to you, but to someone else, it could be the world.
Cheryl
Oh my days this is me. I’m the one that listens to respond. Now I have recognised that I do that and have been trying my best to listen more intently, then comment, but sometimes I lose concentration and my mind sometimes wonders. I’m working on it and will definitely try to listen generously. Wow. Thanks for that!
Thank you, Dyonne, for your candor and transparency. We all are just doing the best we can, right? I’m happy you’re here.
I agree, but the majority of people…90% or more…are self centered and only interested in what is going on with them or around them and what affects them. This is what I see in most of the people that cross my path.
Hi Earl. I won’t disagree with you. That is why this video is so important; it charges each of us with BEING THE CHANGE we wish to see. Thank you for your contribution!
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks again for another inspiring video; a refreshing reminder of how to listen, “generously”. By just being with them and feeling heard and understood is where magic happens and healing can begin.
Rick L
(Dr. Candidate, PsyD)
Hi Rick! Great to hear from you. You are so right on both counts. Thank you for jumping into the conversation!
Thank you,Cheryl. Listening generously is a wonderful way to actively communicate. I learned this a long time ago when I worked in the mental health field. Great way to actually help someone in need. There I go again. I’m always looking for ways to help others. I love your videos. Hugs my friend. ???
Thank you for sharing your expertise on the subject, Pamela! That’s super reassuring and helpful! Hugs to you! xo