Even if you think they have a serious case of diarrhoea of the mouth, just keep listening

I was never on the high school debate team.

(My brother was and he was always good at debating and arguing.)

I don't like debating, and I now know why. 

I suck at it.

Plus, in my opinion, it's not very feminine to sit there and argue and debate with people.

Don't get me wrong, I will stand up for myself if needed!

(Put up your dukes!)

This morning at the gym, my trainer said something that I fully agreed with.

(I won't divulge the topic because the discussion wasn't really rated-PG, or PG-13.)

Anyway, after he shared his opinion (like it was fact),

I said, "Yeah, you're right. I agree."

"I know I'm right. That's why I said it."

Well OKAAAAY there chief!

I have fun at the gym. There's a few of us training together. We work hard and play hard. Tease each other, as well as support one another.

One of the things that I've been noticing is that I've been benefiting and enjoying the concept and practice of listening.

It's not an easy thing to do. 

I realise that when people talk to me, give me their advice and opinions, I listen.

I mean, I really really listen.

Even if I think they're completely wrong and I disagree with them, I still listen.

And the older they are, the more I listen and think about what they have to say.

People are always wanting to give their nuggets of wisdom, but we're always too damn busy, or self-centered, or egotistical, or righteous to even pay attention.

Now, I listen more.

One of the essential things for me is constantly learning, evolving, developing, and mastering whatever it is that interests me. 

Listening is a very important skill.

The next step is to listen and not act on my judgements of what I'm hearing. That's also a big step.

It's all about learning for me, and this listening 'practice' is always ongoing.

Now, I'd rather listen and take as much in, rather than debate or argue.

See you at your next adjustment!

— Dr MaryAnne.