Communication is an Art

Every time you communicate with someone, your relationship changes.

I have no idea where I heard or read this. I even tried to Google it, and nothing comes up. But I know I saw it somewhere or heard it at some point recently, and it stuck.

It seems like an obvious statement, but I don't think it's something people really think about. On the other hand, it is something that perhaps people think about far too much. I've been told by more than one person lately that I need to say what I mean and not be afraid to just share what's on my mind. Some call it being passive, others may call it fear. For me, it is what it is, but I have definitely implemented communicating as directly as I can. (Hell - it's one of our company's core values - and all of those values bleed directly into my everyday life. So, undoubtedly, it's something that is important to me.)

As I've started to do this, that first statement at the top of the blog has been ringing around in my brain. It's so true.

Communication is an art. It really is. Some people are great at it, others average, and others, quite frankly, are just terrible at it.

Every single time we communicate with someone, we make a mark. We make an impact. We say something that is meaningful. And even if the words aren’t the most meaningful, we still say something. We are present. Where I think people fail in communication is when they are not present, when they don't really give a shit about the person with whom they are communicating or just don't care much about the relationship. But everything we say can (not always will, but can) make a mark - to the point that the relationship can either be strengthened, weakened or muddled. I'm talking about any kind of relationship.

It's important to be respectful and kind. Those are two things I believe in with everything that I am. It's also important to be straightforward and honest. People want to be treated like the gifts that they are, because God put each of us here to be a gift to someone or something in more ways than one. People also don't want to be lied to or given the run-around. Trust and belief are very powerful elements to give.

When you find the ones you trust and believe in, communicate and communicate often to strengthen that relationship. When you find those who are in your life for a time, season or reason, communicate well, because you never know what you could add to the person's life or what they may be able to teach you or add to yours - even if it's just for a few minutes. When you find those who you just don't mesh with, be cordial and respectful, but be honest with yourself that they may not be the best people to keep around on the reg.

Communication is something you can get better at every day. It takes a lot of practice. Never stop practicing. The lifers in your life will appreciate it. Communication can strengthen the bonds of ANY kind of relationship together - be it colleagues, family, friends or otherwise. Encourage when you want to, be respectful always. Make honesty the norm. Say what you need to say, and when you don't need to say anything, don't. Sometimes silence works, too. Just keep communicating.

Put on love

I wouldn't consider myself to be a fashionista, not in the least. But I do love wearing dresses and heels. I also love wearing workout clothes and Saucony kicks, whatever goes with the WOD that day, and sometimes jeans, t-shirts and flip flops. But the most important thing I put on every day is love.

The world needs more of it each and every day. I don't think any of us should walk out of our houses, or roll out of our beds, for that matter, without putting on love. You can put it on in varying forms - it doesn't have to be the crazy, stupid love that they talk about in movies.

Love makes us do all kinds of things - mostly good, I think. So, it's worth wearing daily.

I put on love so that I can be stronger, friendlier, happier, and wiser. I put it on so that I can give it out. Each day, it's granted to us from above - Paul said so. So it's only proper that we should take it and distribute it (otherwise, it would overflow, and who likes spilling love?). Love lets me listen to those more spry than me -whether they are six, twenty six, or seventy six - hear what they have to say, learn from them and also offer guidance along the way. Love lets me show my family and my friends that I care about them. It lets me spread joy through hugs, high fives, and cheers. Putting on love creates a channel of communication that allows me to exude enthusiasm. Sometimes, it bursts so much it hurts, but I think that's worth it, too. Love is a simple thing. People try to complicate it, but it's simple. Your heart shows you ways you can love every day. You have enough to go around to everyone you come in contact with - spread it.

I receive love every day, so I know there are plenty of others wearing it. I get it in varying forms, too - through texts of encouragement, the faith that others have in me, the time others take to stop, talk, and actually listen to the response of, "how are you?" It comes through trust, belief, humor, and presence.

The more I think about it, the more I realize the necessity of it. Love is the universal language of the world. So, whether you're wearing a suit and tie, designer this or that, or some torn up jeans and a tee, make sure love is the first thing you put on when you wake up. You'll know it when you run into others who have put on love first, too. Soak it up.