Wednesday, December 15, 2021
People want a voice in this world. They simply want to be able to speak up. Expression is cathartic, but too often we suppress it, and we oppress it because we don’t want to hear the words. We don’t want to hear what others have to say because the words might seem disappointing. We shut people out because we are afraid, or because we disagree, or because we disbelieve them. So what if you disagree or disbelieve? To give someone a voice means that you attune your ear and your heart to what they want to say – not to what you want them to say, or what you want for them to withhold. Words are sounds, they come and go. The world has too many words. Word pollution is a problem.
Know the difference between listening and being asked for input, being asked for solutions, or being asked for opinions and advice. There is a difference between a statement and a question. Not everything needs a response from you, does it? Be better at being a listener, rather than a perpetual responder. You’ll know the difference between words of expressiveness and words of hate. You’ll know the difference between words of expression and words that are untrue. You’ll know the difference between provocative words born out of anger and words that are simply meant for venting. You’ll know the difference between words of confusion and words of clarity. Give people a voice, and you’ll give them them one of the most powerful, self-healing tools on earth. We can all do better to allow others to express themselves. Give the words a place to go – most of the time, it just takes your careful, attentive listening to make things better for another.