To be Heard is to be Loved

From the beginning of time, humans have possessed a strong desire to be with other people. We crave companionship, whether that be friendships or romantic relationships. Within those relationships, we possess an innate desire to be seen and heard. 

To "be heard" means having your thoughts, feelings, and opinions acknowledged, understood, and respected by others.

When we feel that someone has truly heard our words and our thoughts, we feel validated. We feel accepted. We feel understood. We feel that our thoughts are meaningful. We feel significant and worthwhile in a deep and sometimes profound way. 

When someone creates space for us to express ourselves without reservation and without distraction, it can be transformative. But the conversation has to be a two-way street. The art of active listening is something we can study and practice but many of us struggle to speak up for fear the conversation will become confrontational. 

Assertive communication involves a balance between expressing your own thoughts while respecting the feelings of others. It means you state your needs in a clear, confident, and controlled manner that is not passive and not aggressive. It’s a delicate balance that many struggle to maintain but it can lead to less conflict and more positive relationships with family, friends, and others. 

Our lunch & learn this month will explore balancing self-advocacy with respect for others. Alan Rasmussen from Encompass Community Supports will use real-world scenarios to explore some very practical techniques for making your voice heard at work, in relationships, and in daily interactions. Tune in April 10th at noon. Find more details at www.fauquier-mha.org/events.