#WQWWC.......September 15th Theme.....Communication

It's another week of  Writer's Quotes Wednesday, hosted by Marsha from Always Write. If you're interested in joining, you can find more about #WQWWC here.

This weeks theme is "Communication". Ahhhh....good ole communication. It's a key component to so many things in life. Necessary to live in harmony. Necessary to function. But something we're not always good at. I do NOT like confrontation, and sometimes that affects communication. I'm a peacemaker, I love to talk, and sometimes I don't pause enough to always listen, to listen to what's not being said, etc. I used to be bad at interrupting or talking before it was my time, usually because I just thought of something. I'm working on it and I've gotten better at much of it. Well, except maybe the confrontational, hard conversations. I still get overwhelmed and want to shut down.  

Our world seems to have a major communication problem. We aren't willing to listen to one another and that is heart breaking. So many books are out on this topic which just shows how vital it is and how much we see a breakdown of it that we need help to understand it so we go to books, podcasts, therapists. Relationships are lost over communication. So much relies on this one word. 

There are so many phrases that use this word.

Lack of communication

Poor communication

Communication breakdown

Clear communication

Then there are phrases or idioms that refer to communication:

Like talking to a brick wall

Beat a dead horse

Bite ones tongue

Bring you up to speed

To get something off your chest

We refer to verbal and non-verbal communication 

I found some wonderful quotes on communication...I can never just stop at one. The first one has never been more obvious to me then in the last few years. We don't often listen to understand the person speaking, but impatiently waiting so we can voice our opinion. Ahhhh, I want to listen to understand. I don't want to feel a need to convince people of anything, or even share my opinion..I want to be willing to listen. Sometimes it's hard and I have to "bite my tongue". 

"Effective communication is built on the cement of trust. And trust is based on trustworthiness, not politics" Steven R. Covey

"Communication is only effective when we communicate in a way that is meaningful to the recipient, not ourselves." Rich Simmonds

"Communication must be HOT. That's Honest, Open, and Two-Way" Dan Oswald 

I hope those gave you something to chew on.....I know they did me. 

What is the goal of communication? 

What do I need to be aware of in my communication with others?

How can I communicate in a way that is right for the person listening?

Is what I want to say going to create unity or at least communicate a clear message, or is going to be divisive and stress inducing?

Am I in a right frame of mind to communicate?

Do I need to let this sit for a bit and maybe let the other person make the first move?

So many questions to ask ourselves. I think about social media and how it is easy to hide behind the screens and just spew out whatever comes to mind when we see a post that irritates us. 9 times out of 10 I just scroll by or unfollow those types of posts. It's not worth it, and they are usually not interested in my opinion, so unless it's asked for, I don't give it. 

Trying to read "maps" 

I remember when we were in Italy and Switzerland the communication barrier was tricky at times. Yes, many spoke english, but sometimes it was hard and we had to rely on google translate. And of course we couldn't read the road signs so that was fun. At my work, often, people come in who only speak Spanish, and a few who are deaf. Communication can be tricky, BUT we all try our best to make it work. I truly want to learn Spanish and some sign language, but haven't kept up with my Duolingo. 

I'm so glad Marsha chose this topic....it gives me a lot to ponder. 

With Joy Unquenchable,

Kirstin