"Listening badly" has been an affliction of mine for the past month. It's a reflection of how I've been living. I believe it all started ELECTION DAY (hm, wonder why??)
Paying attention's been problematic when I feel distracted, distressed, thwarted, consumed, isolated, worn, bedraggled, plus, my hair was driving me crazy since I started the day in a wool hat while walking the dogs in the chill. Hard to come back from that and look like a normal person.
Sorting out my commitments in the aftermath of E Day - what I believe in, what I talk about, think about, the words that come out of my mouth, the actions I take.
If I act as if I'm setting an example, that makes a difference. I sit up, focus, eat better, go outside and see the trees, drink water, work like I mean it, really meditate, and call in my friends to chat about what's next.
And I listen.
Setbacks don't seem like I'm cozying up to the Devil anymore. They feel like a lesson I need to learn and grow with. I can mostly laugh through them. I am able to see those around me who are also treading water, making their way to the ladder of the pool, and doing just fine without a preserver.
Service, I need to be the EXAMPLE. I strive to be the picture you see in the dictionary for the words compassionate and SERVICE. Wouldn't that be incredible?
and then they'd have to award me with a shiny object.
or dark chocolate would do