Some thoughts and discussions from me.
It’s Time for Me to Listen
Each week, I come at you with my verbal vomit. I tell you about fitness-y things, workouts, food, my life, and I the only time I get the chance to listen to YOU is when you leave a comment on each post. Thank you, by the way, for contributing to the conversation 
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about listening to people. No, really, truly listening. Not by just waiting for a pause in the conversation to jump in and say my piece again; not by letting my mind wander to my life and my worries while others talk; and definitely not by just smiling and nodding, waiting for the other person to finish talking.
It seems like these actions take the place of “listening” far too often, and it’s a pretty big pet peeve of mine (even though it’s inevitable to do for everyone at some point in time.) I want to try as hard as I can not to do those things. So, one of my goals right now in life is to practice focused listening, whether I’m with a client talking about goals, or just chit chatting with a friend about the wonders of life.
Naturally, this part of my life wandered over to the blog, and now I want to listen to you. I’m incredibly thankful for each and everyone person who stops by here every day to hear what I have to say. While I do enjoy writing this little blog, a main goal with it is to inspire, make people smile, and give valuable takeaways with it. I do that through a wide range of topics, depending on my mood, what I’ve learned recently, and what I feel like sharing.
So, today I want to ask YOU what you’d like to see more on the blog.
Do you consider yourself a good listener? Do you notice when others aren’t actually listening to you or someone else?
Listening is so powerful! I always appreciate when others truly listen to me, and by really listening to clients, often, they can figure out their breakthroughs and what they need to do all by themselves.
Lauren recently posted…Why Emotional Eating Isn’t ‘Bad’ (+ Book Giveaway)
I completely agree with this. Listening is such a powerful tool when working with people.
Well, I’m going to be a bad listener and not answer your question, because I want to bring up something else.
I have been reading your blog for quite some time, since way back when you lived in Normal. I really identified with you, as I am from a small Illinois town as well. As I continued reading, you truly inspired me. I have decided to follow my passion to help people gain confidence through health and fitness and have started working toward my personal trainer certification. I have also started my own blog, which I can be kind of self-conscious about, but I have tried to be brave and put my thoughts out there. You really inspire me to go after these things, and, for that, I thank you. 🙂
Amy recently posted…Cants into Cans Wednesday: My Struggle with Disordered Eating
Ha!
And that is SO nice of you to say, Amy. Good for you for starting a blog! It’s so fun 🙂
Paige, I have no idea how I stumbled across your little corner of the you interwebs, but I am so happy I did. I am a Midwestern transplant, too. I can relate to so much of what you have to say, about your history with food and exercise. I may not comment often, but you should hear my head nodding along with your posts!
And I am thankful I turned off my “no, not good enough” brain chatter and joined your boot camp! Keep the good stuff coming 🙂
Thank you so much for telling me that, Kaelin! Gave me a big grin 😀 You kicked BUTT in boot camp, too 😉
I consider myself a good listener but definitely want to be better. I hope no one votes stop blogging, I love your blog!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie recently posted…Waikiki Adventures Part 1
I love all the content you right about 🙂 I did vote though. Appreciate you asking!
Oh boy, this hits me where it hurts, dang it Paige LOL!! I definitely have a tendency sometimes to allow my eyes to gaze past the person talking and daydream about something else. Even with articles I’m reading I pick out the things I want to read and miss out on some really good stuff. I most certainly need to work on paying more attention and listening for sure.
Christa @ Edible Balance recently posted…Gluten-Free Dining in Calgary ~ The Coup re-opens! {Review}
i voted for shenanigans! love you.
janetha recently posted…blend 2014.
I just found your blog, so I won’t answer the question either. But I will say that I love the fact that you are willing to as the question. I think the more we mediate, spend time in the quiet, and focus on ourselves, the more we are able to truly listen to others. It is all about being present. This journey for me of getting healthier has been about learning to truly listen to myself. I think that will make me a better listener for everybody.
Leslie recently posted…Thursday Non-Scale Victories and Being Brave Day 4