Sometimes (well, often) I find it hard to write. Writing in a blog means that I’m “talking” all the time. I have to think of things to say, things that are meaningful to me and that I think will be meaningful or helpful to you. I like it when you leave comments because then it feels more like a conversation. But a lot of the time it just feels like I’m sitting here talking.
Epictetus said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” I have two ears, but in addition to the voice I carry around in my head (which talks to me, I’ll admit, at least as much as it talks to other people), I have another “voice” here at my blog, and another at Twitter and Facebook and every other social site at which I participate. I’m supposed to be “generating content” and “increasing my influence” and all of that, but what it feels like, some days, is that I have two ears and 6 mouths and the sound of my own voice is drowning everyone else out.
Enough. It’s your turn.
I want to know what you think.
When you take time out of your day to come here and read, do you find what you are looking for? Do you find what you expect? (What DO you expect?) Or is there something missing? If so, what is it?
What would make this a better place for you?
When (if) you visit my site, what is missing there? Are there things that would really help you that I’m not offering? Services? Products? A particular design?
How can I help you?
I’m listening. And not just today, but tomorrow and the next day, too. As much as I chatter on at Facebook or Twitter I’m listening there, too. But does it seem like I listen? How could I do it better? Please let me know!
“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When we really listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other. We are constantly being re-created.” ~Brenda Ueland
This is an inspirational post, Emily. Thank you for reminding me that what I hear is more important than what I say. In fact, it shapes what I say and allows it to have meaning instead of just being “stuff I say.” I love your blog. I love the colorful pictures of your products you post and I am constantly inspired by your ideas. Love the picture of you illustrating your “listening” point too. Who needs stock photos??! Nice!
Thank you, dM. You are great listener, and the things you say reflect that. I am so glad to think that you get something out of your time here! I certainly am inspired by the information you share, as well. It’s that “alternating current” Brenda Ueland writes about! (Her book “If You Want To Write” is one of my favorite books about writing.)