Thank You For Listening

These four magical words are equally powerful when spoken and heard.  A neighbour shared these words with me today.  The charm, the buzz and the busyness of the Christmas season are very noticeable.  I was arriving home after work and looking forward to just being at home.  A few bags filled with groceries decorated my arms as I happily ran up the stairs of the complex.  I noticed one of my neighbours was struggling to get up the stairs, his energy seemed off and he dropped his bottle of water.  I went back down the stairs to pick up some of his other food items that he had dropped and I asked him if he was okay.  I could sense that he was having a hard time being present.  I offered him one of my Christmas oranges and kindly suggested that maybe he could sit on the stairs for a moment or two.

During that moment or two, he shared many things with me.  His life seemed to be falling apart.  He was very sad.  His girlfriend had broken up with him and he had slipped on some ice walking home from the grocery store.  Between the bites of the orange wedges, I had a pretty clear idea of this man’s life happenings in the past year or so.  He had purchased two big frozen hams for upcoming family visits over the holidays.  After awhile he seemed to be feeling better and I asked him if there was anything I could do to help him  besides carrying his groceries for him.  He said, “No, you have done more than enough.  Thank you for listening.”

Even as I type those four words happy tears fill my eyes.  He made a profound point.  Often times, listening is enough.  Taking the time to care for a fellow human being by listening to them.  He offered me one of his frozen hams and I accepted it even though I am a vegetarian.  I could sense that he really wanted to give me something and it would have been unkind to say no in that situation.  I ended up giving the ham to a family member over the holidays.  Thank You For Listening.  Even when I see him around from time to time he associates me with the one who took the time to listen to him.  What a blessing it can be when people take the time to truly listen.  I knew I couldn’t fix whatever hurt he was going through yet I gave him the gift of listening.  I gave him a moment of presence.  A moment of my time.  That impacted his day – knowing that somebody took the time to pay attention, to listen and to care.  No judgement.  No story stealing or conversation editing.  I’m quite passionate about the importance of listening and it’s a major component of wellness coaching.  To listen is to be present.  Listening is LOVE.  I’m realizing more and more that it’s unfortunately not easy for many to do.  Among many things, I’m here to inspire others to LISTEN and the values that come with that.  May you say and hear often “Thank You For Listening.” Smiles, HL