My daughter had an epic dream and wanted to share it. I was in the middle of something.
“Dad, put down your iPhone, I want you to listen to my dream.”
My wife and I stopped what we were doing and listened intently. What she shared was an epic story of adventure and discovery. To me it was part Alice in Wonderland, part Dark Tower, and part totally original.
Nothing short of amazing.
When she finished, my wife suggested this dream be the basis for a novel for an English assignment. We discussed possible changes to the story to make it more complete. My daughter thought up some new twists and a great ending to tie it all together. After 30 minutes of discussion, she had a solid outline for her English assignment.
More than that, she was inspired. Excited about an English assignment. Because it was no longer an assignment.
It was her story. One that she believed was good and wanted to share.
What if we hadn’t stopped to listen? What if we told her to wait? Or listened with feigned interest?
What are some ways that listening helps you create? Or helps those around you?
photo credit: ZEDZAP>Nick
Very abservent. Took me longer in life to learn this lesson. Children are great teachers, which is true of most of our true friends. Being married to your best friend also helps, doesn’t it?