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Active listening
“Active listening and communication will aid you in the ability to understand and relate to others’ feelings and circumstances.” ~Shannen Zitz, Prevention magazine Some folks can barely wait for others to stop talking so that they can start reciting their own monologues. That’s not “active listening.” What does it mean to be an active listener? Always curious, active listeners have a sincere interest in other people. They hush their egos and pay attention when other people speak; they’re not preoccupied with their own stories. They want to learn from others. Active listening requires that we focus on what the other person is saying — and retain the information long enough…
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You be you
“Forget popularity; focus on sincerity. Do what you do, not for applause, but because it is what is right for you. Practice respecting yourself and becoming a reliable part of your own support system.” ~Angel Chernoff, Marc and Angel Hack Life The word “popularity” still sends me back down Memory Lane to junior high school. And today’s quote from Marc and Angel got me thinking about the difference between sincerity and popularity. When we focus on being popular, we value the number of friends we have rather than the quality of their character, or their compatibility. Likewise, when we try to stay “on trend” with our creative projects, we risk lowering the quality…
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Clarity
“You cannot see your reflection in running water. Only in rest and stillness can clarity be found.” ~Lao Tzu I’ve been out of town for over a week, returning home yesterday with a suitcase to unpack and the bittersweet sense that fall is in the air. Starting this week, I’m taking a short break from Life Lines while I prepare for a new project. Meanwhile, I hope you find moments of stillness and clarity as we approach a new season. ~CL
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Social Connection: Part 2
“True friendship withstands time, distance, and silence.” ~Isabel Allende In yesterday’s post, I shared a medical doctor’s advice on maintaining healthy social connections. These days, everyone is busy and overbooked, whether we’re talking about work and family obligations, community groups, social commitments, or medical appointments. When we’re overwhelmed or exhausted by the dates on our calendars (or whatever life is throwing at us) we might neglect our friendships. I’m guilty as charged, and I don’t always practice what I preach. As much as I believe in initiating contact with others, there have been times when I’ve needed to repair my spirit and spend time alone. That’s one of the hard…
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Real social connection
“Let’s be clear: we’re not talking about Instagram likes, your thousands of connections on LinkedIn, a fat contact list in your phone. Social connection means real relationships — with people who make you laugh, let you be yourself, and show up when it counts.” ~Dr. Frank Lipman Did you know that friendship — and an active social circle — can help you live a longer and healthier life? There’s plenty of science to back it up. As Dr. Frank Lipman points out in his current weekly health and longevity blog, an important study reports that loneliness and “low social integration” put us at risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, dementia,…
