avatarNicole Sponsel

Summary

The web content is a personal essay reflecting on the importance of effective communication and the value of being heard and understood.

Abstract

The essay titled "Do You Even Hear Me?" delves into the struggles and frustrations of communication, emphasizing the necessity of practice and effort to improve dialogue. The author describes the experience of speaking without being heard, a common occurrence where words are lost or ignored. They highlight the importance of valuing every voice, including those that are often silenced or overlooked. The essay advocates for active listening, acknowledging the power and purpose of words, and the significance of responding to calls for help or sharing vulnerable thoughts. The author expresses a commitment to listening and offering support, whether through advice, services, or prayer. The piece concludes with a call to action for readers to engage more deeply with the writer's work, including reading their profile article, becoming a Medium member, or supporting them through a coffee purchase. Additionally, the author encourages readers to explore related articles by other writers, such as David D. Hopkins.

Opinions

  • Communication is a skill that requires practice and dedication to improve.
  • People often feel unheard or ignored in conversations, which can lead to a reluctance to speak up.
  • Every voice has intrinsic value and deserves to be listened to attentively.
  • Active listening is crucial in truly understanding and supporting others.
  • Words carry significant power and should be used with intention, whether spoken loudly or whispered.
  • The author believes in the importance of responding to others' needs, offering help, and being present in their times of vulnerability.
  • The essay suggests that the reader has a role in fostering a supportive writing community by engaging with and financially supporting writers.
  • There is an expressed desire for mutual growth in communication and understanding within the writing community.

POEM

Do You Even Hear Me?

Communication won’t get better without practice. Put in the hard work.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I anticipate your words following a trail, stumbling and picking up scraps along the way. Sometimes they arrive at their destination, but often they get lost or forgotten. Was the path blocked or rerouted? Did you give up and turn back? Every voice is home to your chosen words of value and consideration. I wait at my door for their arrival to solely listen as they deserve.

My turn to speak was often turned down or muted. Where do you show value in that? Eye contact fades as I begin. You turn your back and are already halfway down the hall. Do you even hear me, or just waiting for a pause in my breath to assume I finished? I see people around me but am I invisible or in a dream, never falling asleep? I can feel my body tense as I scream, but no one listens to my cry.

As time passes with no response or little engagement, my urge to speak weakens. You will lose in the story my life tells, whether joys or sadness shared. Others will have pieces of me you will see missing. I deserve to allow my voice heard. I will never change my offer to listen because that would change me. You can think hard, practice more because others deserve better.

I choose to listen to all voices, loud or silenced. I want to hear what you need me to know. Every word has power and purpose, raising them high for all to hear or whisper as needed. If you choose quiet to ask for help, tell a secret, or share a vulnerable thought, I am firmly planted here beside you. Ask, and you shall receive. Should I share advice or services to aid you? I will always lift your name in prayer and carry you daily with me.

Thank you so much for reading. Please read my profile article if you want to learn a little more about me.

If you enjoy reading stories like these and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member. It’s only $5 a month, giving you unlimited access to all stories on Medium without ads. If you sign up using my link, I’ll earn a small commission.

If you would like to support me in contributing to this wonderful writing community and other passion projects, you can buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/NSponsel, so I have more stamina to fuel my better writing ahead.

Would you please check out a fellow writer’s article by David D. Hopkins.

Coffee Times Movement
Know Thyself Heal Thyself
Self Improvement
Relationships
Communication
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