Dear Diary,
Day 5 of the #Zip_it_40_Day_Challenge
#Shut_Down_the_Motormouth
Here is a quotable quote, “Most people
do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to
reply,” Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Besides,
the Holy Book teaches, “To answer before listening, that is folly and shame,” Proverbs
18:13. “Everyone should be quick to listen; slow to speak and slow to become
angry…,” James 1:19.
Last week I had a confrontation with
someone. Honestly, I was well-meaning, but when I said the first word, the
person interjected me sharply! Considering there were people around, I shut up
and went home. Few minutes later the person send me some short messages. I
returned the text, “I wish ungeniskiza kwanza!” What followed were insults and
condemnation but for once I behaved and restrained myself from texting back angrily.
I apologized but was met with hostility and my apology trashed, so because I
didn’t want the matter to escalate, I blocked the number! The next day, this
person sought audience with me but honestly, I had shut down and didn’t want to
listen! I regretted starting the conversation; I should have minded my own
business!
I love what am learning on my Day 5, the
challenge is to learn to listen. Hearing is not necessarily listening. Ouch! You
see, I have some traits of a typical sanguine-I dominate conversations;
sometimes am not so patient enough with slow talkers so I do them a favour; sorry,
I interrupt the conversation and help them complete what I think they needed to
say. Eeer, I love spontaneity and long talks make me slip into wonderland and a
time into dystopia. To the introvert, kieleweke, just because you’re quiet and
you let others do 99% of the talking, doesn’t mean you’re a good listener.
Today’s world is high-tech, high speed,
and the art of listening has become a rare gift. How then do I even master the
art of listening? They say a good listener makes eye contact; doesn’t
interrupt; listens without judgement;
observes non-verbal signals; creates a suitable environment, makes it easy. Am
not anywhere close to this kind of maturity!
To be a good listener, I know I need patience, love and insight.
Listening prepares a person to speak well. I won’t add any more word; I repent
for being a poor listener. I resolve to be an intentional listener, so help me
God! “God, you know she talketh! Please help her to be quick to listen. Amen.”
R,
NzakuNashipae
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