If you want to prevent someone from killing themselves? Just listen.
If you want to help someone in recovery? Just listen.
If you want to help your friend who has suffered the death of a child? Just listen.
It’s something this extreme extrovert had to work at and a support group helped me find that organ called the ear. I learned that I got more out of the group if I used my ears more than my mouth.
In my presentations, I emphasize listening. Afterwards, people tell me their stories because that’s what they do once they hear mine. My story says, “It’s OK to share that ugly rolling nonstop in your head like a hamster wheel.”
Listening is way underrated.
It’s what connects us as humans and it is your most valuable currency– the best gift you can offer another human being. Sometimes it pays to be quiet.
