Friday, March 18, 2022
What more needs to be said? Have you said enough in your lifetime, or are there more unsolicited, mindless words that you need to say? Is it necessary to express your viewpoints, and your complaints all the time? The impulse to speak is often stronger than the impulse to listen, but listening can be much more effective in getting what you desire. Listening is the gateway to wisdom. The impulse to listen is subtle, however, but it is also very important to your formation and growth.
Words are rarely part of the solution. Solutions often arrive through silence. Perhaps you use words as a means of filling in an “awkward” silence because you’re uncomfortable waiting for a response. Or maybe you are impatient, and you just start talking to make yourself feel better. Or perhaps you think words will affect the behaviors of others. But they don’t. Those words are probably just irritating others, wreaking havoc in your life.
Your words may not be as persuasive as you believe them to be. The most persuasive force in the universe is silence. Silence cannot be used against you, but words can be. Give others a chance to say something, and then hear them – for real. If no-one says anything, so be it. You don’t have to cut into the silence because you feel awkward, or because you have to have a response from someone. Silence is always a good sign. Talking often interferes with the perfection of divine timing. Try to reduce the number of words you use. Speak when necessary, not compulsively. If you choose to speak, try using more questions, and wait. Perhaps inquisitiveness will yield greater results in your life. You likely could reduce your words by 50% or more. A word diet might be just what you need to be more effective in your life. It’s certainly a whole lot better than being a compulsive blabbermouth.