January 2 - To do List and Listening

Today, as the first official business day of the year began, there was a long list of things to do. Although many things on the list did not get done, many things that never made the list did get done. There was a lot of energy at the starting gate. Still, it's an ambiguous start, I'll admit. Deep introspection to analyse that will not be necessary.

Friends and family are checking in. They have their own resolutions that also include keeping in touch with the ones they care most about. A good friend, that I hadn't spoken to a long time called. Rather than multi-task for efficiency, I put my pen down, kept the phone to my ear, leaned back in my chair, pushed away from the computer at the desk, and let myself be there completely for the conversation. Can I afford to do that all the time? With the ones we care about - shouldn't I? Truly, if I don't listen, who will?

We wonder why it seems people aren't listening to us. Maybe that's because we're not fully listening to them either. If you can't afford to really listen 100%, because of simultaneous demands, and time contraints, just acknowledging you registered the message may genuinely be enough - if it's not an issue that needs your continued attention at that point. However, if it is about making a meaningful connection, do the right thing and drop your distractions long enough to fully hear what's being said. Later, they will remember that you listened, participated and shared. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?

Since no actual New Year's resolutions were made here - none can offically be broken. Having said that, there are still some good intentions that I will try to nurture and foster. One of these is to write daily. The results may not appear on this site directly, but the process may provide some positive effects. This, only time will tell. As an encouragement to the rest of you - stick to your resolutions, tough it out, and you will be rewarded. Remember - run the good race.