Listening Is A Responsibility

"I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility." - Nikki Giovanni, poet, essayist, and lecturer

In my humble opinion, listening is one of the most important qualities a person needs to have if they want to be a good friend. I've know so many "talkers" but I treasure those people in my life who are genuinely interested in how I am doing. They actually listen to my answer when they ask me how I am and that I appreciate.

There is a phrase I've heard many times that says all there is to say.  "He/she can talk the talk but choose not to walk the walk". I've come to realize that I don't want to be the talker.  I want to live the way I speak.  I want my actions to match my words and I choose my words carefully. It is always my intention to keep my thoughts, words, and actions positive, upbeat, and humble. Left to my own devices, I am selfish, self-centered, and filled with fear. But if I remember that I can rely upon a Power greater than myself to guide me through life, then I can focus on others and stop worrying about me so much. All is exactly as it should be.

So, the moral of the story for me is that I don't always need to use my gift of language. The best gift I can give to anyone, friend or foe, acquaintance or close friend, is the gift of listening. It shows that I care. Whether I have just met you or if I've known you forever, I'm interested in hearing about you.  May I always remember to ask you how you are doing before I start taking up your time with my own stories. And so it is.