I talk too much. I really do. Mostly, too much about me. That's a shocking confession from someone who blogs every single day, I know. When I'm by myself, I give myself little pep talks about keeping conversations focused on the other person and doing more listening than talking and all that good stuff. But then I get out in social situations and this crazy *need* comes over me--the need to relate every story and every statement back to me.
"That happened to you? Oh, well, listen to what happened to me one time..."
Well, tonight I attended a church function celebrating Relief Society. It was a dinner with a nice program. And a lot of time for visiting before, after, and in between. I was a long way from where I want to be, but I did forebear and hold my tongue a few times. I let people share their stories without having to add in my own. And I asked questions that kept the conversation focused on someone besides me.
And I guess, maybe a part of me is embarrassed that I'm proud of myself for such a small thing. But I really am. It's not like I always always talk about myself. It's just that tonight, a few of the times when I was tempted to relate everything back to me, I consciously stopped myself. And it felt really good. And it was very much my Joyful Moment. I'm still a work in progress, but progress is progress. And progress is good.
Wishing you all progressive Joyful Moments!
3 comments:
Oh, I thought it was totally normal to do that (talk a LOT about ourselves)! J/K... I guess only in our family. :)
I always find your comments beneficial, so don't worry about it.
My joy was in emptying another 3 of our moving boxes. Only problem is I haven't found a home for the contents yet. :)
Cheryl, from what I know about you, you are so caring and thoughtful of other people. I have always thought of you as a good listener, and I bet you are even better now than ever before.
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