Pause. Reflect. Breathe.

Today, I don’t have much to say. I’ve spent the morning trying to take care of a few business items and the Universe has a different idea. I’ve been, shall we say, frustrated. Big time.

As I type this I am trying to pause and to not react with negative self-talk about how technology is giving me a run for my money.

At any rate, since you know I’ve mentioned and follow Maria Shriver and her Sunday Paper – News and Views for a Meaningful Life,  I thought I would lean on Maria today and share some of her wise words with you.  

Today she speaks to pausing before reacting to a post, a comment, a story that differs from your point of view.  While I’m in complete agreement, this is easier said than done at least it is for me.

A few excerpts from the Sunday Paper:

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we really seem to have lost the “art of conversation” and the ability to listen, to hear out the other, and to refrain from bringing our pre-existing judgments into every situation. This is part of the reason why I wanted to create my podcast “Meaningful Conversations” — so that I had the opportunity to have longer, deeper conversations with people from all walks of life. I hope to use the podcast as a vehicle to better understand a number of different topics, opinions and voices. In doing so, I hope it inspires you to do the same.  After all, if we don’t put an end to this madness and seek another way, then we will never find our way and get closer to one another.

The truth is, we don’t have to use our voices to respond to every single story or every single issue. Let’s remember that how we use our voices has a huge impact — on others and on our own inner well-being.

So, this morning, ask yourself these questions: Do I need to comment on this story? Do I have something concrete and different to say? Will my voice bring hope and inspiration and move us forward? Or, can I write down my feelings and thoughts without sending them into the public space?

Perhaps the best way to answer is to pause and take a breath. Maybe take two or three. Maybe even just step away from your thoughts and come back to them later. I know when I’ve done that, I usually return to find that the conversation has moved on to a new story altogether.

The bottom line is this: I don’t think that any of us want to live in a country where someone receives death threats for speaking up. None of us want to live in a country where journalists are maliciously attacked simply because they are doing their job and interviewing people with different principles as they try to get to the truth of the story. It’s not a journalist’s job to take sides. It’s their job to ask questions, to listen and to present the story in an objective way.

That’s also our job as individuals. Before we pounce, let’s pause. Let’s listen. Let’s learn. Let’s figure out a way to use our words to educate and enlighten one another.

This morning, pause, breathe and reflect. Then, use your words in the way that you would like words to be used with you.”  ~ Maria Shriver

These words resonated with me this morning and I hope they resonate with you as well.

Leave me a note to let me know your thoughts ~

xoxo

Nancy