Listen and Learn: Now Is the Time

Learning from everyone around you
You think you have something to give.... and you do
But it's not always about that
Look.
Listen.
Listen.
Listen!
LEARN from EVERYONE!
The bum.
The crazy.
The sad.
The needy.
The annoying.
The afraid.
The shy.
The lonely.
The angry.
Stop your voice.
Think.
Love.
Open your mind.
Allow.
Smile.

I learned a lot this year. I gave a lot. I took a LOT. I loved. I lost. I loved again. I broke. I gave up. I gave in. I let go. I held. I cried. I lost. I allowed. I forgot. I remembered... 

And in the end, or at least in this place I find myself in now, I have learned:

Not to take everything so seriously.
To laugh at myself (an unbelievably hard thing for me to do).
To choose my battles.
To stay quiet when what I have to say is less important than the persons feelings I am saying it to.
That my opinion on things that relate to others beliefs are always irrelevant.

That advice is only received when requested and not to give any unless asked.

Approach is everything - a defensive listener has a wall up. When you want to confront someone about something tough - wait for the right moment and ask nicely for communication.

To enjoy every single second I have with my kids - and really REALLY see, hear and touch them.

Eye contact is SO important. 

Hear people, listen and don't think about what you are going to say next - but only about what they are saying to you.

And, wherever you find yourself now, love you, embrace you, enjoy life... don't worry about what used to be or what might be. BE IN THE NOW.