POSSIBILITIES. Hope. Healing. Peace.
Those words frame my thoughts this Wednesday morning. Words that need, and I fully expect, to be followed by positive actions.
We hold within our nation, and within ourselves, the ability to reclaim that which we’ve seemingly lost—decency, kindness, empathy…
A year ago, I stuck four word magnets onto my refrigerator door to create this phrase: ask like you care. The directive reminds me to listen, really listen. The directive reminds to to react with empathy when I ask others, “How are you?” The directive reminds me that, if I don’t really care about the answer, then I shouldn’t ask the question.
I’m big on listening, which differs vastly from hearing. The act of hearing is simply sound reaching our ears. Listening focuses on the message, the person. It’s an art, a skill, and not all that difficult to practice. Listening inspires conversation. Listening builds and strengthens relationships. It places the focus on others, not ourselves.
Today, on this Wednesday morning, I hold hope for the possibilities of healing, peace and so much more.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Audrey, did I miss sending you and yours a wonderful Happy New Year??!
Keith, thank you. That is so kind of you. I hope you and your family are doing well. Best wishes for a wonderful 2021 to you and your dear family also.
Lovely thoughts and sentiments, Audrey. The world needs more people in it like you. ❤
Thank you, dear Penny. And I would say the same about you. You are a kind, compassionate, caring and loving soul.
Ask like you care…I like that…and haven’t heard that before.
I pulled out my magnetic words and strung those words together into a simple, but powerful, message. It’s nothing I’d read or heard. Simply words I put together that held meaning for me.
That’s a wonderful phrase to have on your fridge – “ask like you care”! At first I thought it was a typo (act like you care!) and then I understood. Thanks for that. Happy Inauguration Day.
Happy post Inauguration Day to you also, dear Kathleen.
And, you’re right, no typo in my phrase.
I didn’t get to your blog yesterday as I was intently listening and watching a new era in Washington DC arrive. The importance of listening is huge as if we don’t listen, how can we have empathy?
Stay safe.
That’s where my focus was yesterday also. And, yes, listening is such an important skill directly linked to empathy.
Hope is in the air!
Yes, it is. And you know how much I appreciate that word, hope.