did you hear that?

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
We've all said it; or at least, some iteration of the phrase. WHY DOESN'T ANYONE EVER LISTEN TO ME? Particularly as a parent, it's frustrating when you offer sound, quality advice that goes categorically ignored --- and ultimately, usually well after the fact, is acknowledged as having been spot on. Sigh.

The truth is, we are all guilty of being bad listeners from time to time. As a communications professional, I like to think I interact with the other humans fairly well. And I absolutely believe in the concept of active listening as an effective communicative tool. But, as I mentioned, we homo sapiens tend to be all chat first, hear second as a rule.

Stop. Be still. When you're blathering on and you, you can't hear some of life's best sounds: leaves rustling, birds chirping, babies laughing, a soft wind blowing ... or your inner voice telling you some really good stuff. 

Oh, and your Mom. You should always be quiet long enough to hear out your Mom. #dontalk #listen #bestill

​R. Alleluia, alleluia. The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.