Dear friend, one of the greatest gifts one person can give to another is the gift of listening. It can be an act of love and caring. But too many people only hear one another. Few actually listen.

What do we mean by listening? What do we mean by hearing? Is there a difference? Hearing involves gaining content or information for your own purposes. Listening involves caring for and being empathetic towards the person who is talking. Hearing means that you are concerned about what is going on inside you during the conversation. Listening means that you are making an effort to understand the feelings of the other person and are listening for his or her sake.

The Ways We Listen

There are many types of listening. Some people listen for facts, information and details for their own use. Others listen because they feel sorry for the person. Some people listen to gossip because they revel in the juicy story of another person’s difficulties. On occasion, people listen out of obligation, out of necessity or to be polite. Some people listen because they care. But all too often the potential for listening lies untapped within us like a load of unmined gold because of barriers that inhibit our listening.

Here are two very important questions for you. I want you to take a piece of paper and honestly answer these questions.

Why do you listen?

What are your motives for listening?

The Power of Words
A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything – or destroy it! Words do spread like fire. Did you ever try to stop a rumor? Did you ever attempt to squelch an unkind story once it was told? Impossible! Who can unsay words or wipe out what has been heard?

What you say, and how you say it, is a direct expression of what you say to yourself.
Self-talk is what you tell yourself – the words you say to yourself about yourself, your spouse, your experiences, the past and the future.

Self-talk, or your inner conversation, is not an emotion or feeling, and it is not an attitude. However, repetitious self-talk turns into attitudes, values and beliefs.

Your mind can only hold one thought at a time. You must choose either thoughts of hope, peace and love, or thoughts of fear and negativity. The choice is always yours. Choose wisely.

(Excerpted from my eBook - Uncovering Your True Potential Through Self-awareness)

Until next time, make this a week one in which you are living your life to the fullest.
With appreciation and gratitude
Nigel St.Hill

Get Fresh Life, Money and Abundance Tips Delivered (IT’S FREE!)

Subscribe to our e-mail list to receive weekly updates by providing your name and email address in the boxes at http://www.moneyandabundance.com
Visit our online shop at this URL: http://moneyandabundance.com/

Author's Bio: 

Nigel St. Hill is a writer and a life and money management coach helping people who are ready discover their path to money, abundance and prosperity, so that they could live the life of their dreams. He is the founder of http://www.moneyandabundance.com and author of the book, Money Management Caribbean Style and several ebooks including The Easy Cash Flow System, How to Keep Your Doors Open in a Recession, Creative But Practical Ways to Save money, 8 Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Abundant Lifestyle,12 Secrets to Having a Romantic Relationship, Ten Easy Ways to Empowerment, How to Attract Money and Abundance, Uncover Your True Potential and The Complete Guide to Life Skills for Today’s Youth. https://www.amazon.com/author/nigelsthill .