When Barb asked me to share my thoughts on listening, I said, “What?”
We all know how important it is to really listen when people speak. We need to give them our full attention and not be thinking about our responses instead — something that is easily stated but not so easily done. It takes training and practice.
I confess that paying attention to what someone is saying on the phone is especially hard for me when I’m sitting at my desk in front of my computer. There are just too many distractions. I have a good friend who helps me when we’re talking by asking me, “Are you still there?”
The listening I would like to comment on today is listening to what we tell ourselves. Do you really listen to what you’re telling yourself? Do you say to yourself, “I’ll never lose this weight” or “I’m not motivated”? Statements like these can be self-fulfilling prophecies.
It’s been said that your brain believes everything you tell it and will do everything in its power to make those statements true. The more you say those things to yourself, the harder your brain works. Instead, try saying some more positive statements such as, “I will lose this weight” or “When I lose this week, it will keep me motivated to continue my journey.”
Just like training ourselves to really listen to each other, we need to train ourselves and practice, practice, practice listening to the information we are sending to our brains.
And don’t think you have to do this alone. Just like the friend I have who helps me stay focused on my conversations with her, find a TOPS friend who can help you stay focused on “feeding” your brain with positive affirmations that will keep you on track for a healthier life.
Margie Fisher
Service Program Administrator
By Deanna Bies March 1, 2022
Good post Margie!
By Rebecca Achilles February 2, 2022
Be Silent & Listen…
By Gina Brueske January 18, 2022
Very true. I believe we become what we tell ourselves. We have to think positive thoughts and tell ourselves positive things. Thanks for the reminder Margie.
By Ramona Perkins January 18, 2022
Listening to yourself and others is an art. Affirmations and visualizing myself feeling healthy and pain free is something I am writing and saying to myself everyday.. this blog post has reaffirmed my desire to do these things.
Yes I can reach my goal and succeed in this journey.,
By Tamson Darland January 18, 2022
It’s like a great athlete who is focusing on the Olympics and accomplishing the goal of being a part of the Olympics. They listen to what their mind is telling them to get where they want to be. Just as an individual who also has goals to accomplish and feel like they too have gotten to where they want to be. Thank you, Barb for sharing this wonderful article.
By Charlotte Sonnier January 17, 2022
Boy did I ever need to read this article about listening and my brain listening to what I tell it. You know that when you thought you knew something but hearing it right when you need to, it makes such a big impact. I can keep my weight off, yes I can. Thank you
By Nanc January 17, 2022
Thank you. Intentional listening can be a challenge!
By Betty Sheppard January 17, 2022
Thank you. And so very true.
By Wanda Jewett January 17, 2022
This post makes me realize that I need to really “listen” to the messages I give my brain! If I remind myself to listen then maybe I can change to more positive messages. Yes!
By Karen Tinlin January 17, 2022
Your post sure got it right….on both counts. Great blog Margie.
By Cheryl (Cherry) Valcourt January 17, 2022
Thanks for your listening post Margie! I truly believe that if you think positive, you can do what you set your mind to do. Positive thoughts result in positive goals! Take time to listen. Not just to others but to what you are telling yourself!
By Betty Davison January 17, 2022
Thank you! A very positive reminder!
By Betty Davison January 17, 2022
Thank you! A very positive reminder!