The Importance of meaningful connections🥰

I was listening to a radio broadcast and this was the focus of the conversation, though it was geared towards marriage there were points made about the other relationships we exist in, family, ministry and friendships. One of the things that came up while I was in therapy was that I don’t always have to be the one doing all the talking. It took some practice and getting used to but we really learn more when we choose to listen to others attentively. Listen to hear their hearts in the cadence of what is being expressed. I’ve been applauded for being emotionally intelligent but it wasn’t always this way. I love engaging with others but I had to learn to step back and be present. Sometimes that’s all people need. To feel seen and heard. We have been wired for connection this is the way God created us and IT IS GOOD. This explains why, when we have meaningful conversations we feel empowered and encouraged.

Everyone has something to teach us, even the ones who are hard to communicate with, especially those ones. Their behavior tells a story of the pain they’ve endured, the masks they have to wear and the bleeding hearts they try to hide. One of the things that I’ve learnt as it relates to effective communication is listening to understand and not to respond. This helps us foster healthy relationships. Human behavior has always been fascinating to me and that’s why I always want to have deep conversations, surface level responses bore me. Knowing this I also understand that everyone doesn’t have the capacity to answer the questions I ask in the moment so it’s important to give grace and space.

The question use to be how are you doing? Instead I now opt to ask, how is your heart? This allows the person to examine their emotions beyond “I’m good” as a plaster response. It helps with being self-aware and being intentional about caring for their heart too. As the Bible encourages us in Proverbs 4:23 above all else guard your heart for out of it flows the issues of life. The condition of your heart matters incase no one has ever told you, it does. You matter, your feelings matter. You deserve to feel seen, heard and LOVED. No, you’re not asking for too much, you maybe asking the wrong persons. Start giving that love and attentiveness to yourself and watch yourself bloom.

We always grow when we’re loved well. I pray that you will give your heart a chance to breathe as you discover who you are not just in your relationships but as an individual. You are unique on purpose. And there are people who will love all of you. Trust God to guide you to those people.

God bless you.💙