Have you heard this expression? God gave you one mouth and two ears so you can listen twice as much as you talk.
Let’s just say that was not a concept I embraced! Nor did I understand the importance of listening because what I had to say was so much more important… and relevant… and meaningful.
When I was in my 40’s, I had identity crises in every sense of the word, a mid-life crisis and went into the black hole of clinical depression. Because I’m an overachiever and multitasker, I experienced all of it at the same time. I would not recommend that for anyone – nor would I encourage you to go even partway down that path before reaching out. Losing the desire to live is not an experience I wish to repeat.
How could this be happening to me? I wondered. I’m a well-educated, intelligent, successful corporate executive. The answer now is so evident to me as I reflect on that painful time – I had not been listening to my body or my intuition. The only way it could get my attention was by literally shutting down, disengaging for everyone and everything around me. That worked – it now had my attention! When I finally listened, here’s what I learned:
- Clinging to what I had would not give me what I wanted – relief from the pain.
- Denying the truth would not give me the life I wanted – happy, joyful and free.
- Giving up would not provide me with the opportunity to discover whom I could be.
You have everything you need in the richness of your soul. You have the answer to all of life’s dilemmas in your incredible mind and your intuition. Your job in this incredible adventure called life is to discover who you really are, what gifts you have and to share those gifts with the world. Your highest calling is to grow into your own authentic self, whether or not it conforms to some image of what others think you ought to be.
Are you curious? Try this: Ask yourself an important question, one you’ve not contemplated. Be patient – this isn’t a tweet we’re talking about. Your truth will be revealed.
All you have to do is listen.
Quote of the week: “The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” Ralph G. Nichols
Question of the week: What action can you take to listen more intently to the messages your body, mind and soul are sending to you?