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200 words, caring, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, fully present, generosity, gift, happy, joy, listen, living in the moment, Relationships, safe
You never get people’s fuller attention than when you’re listening to them ~ Robert Brault
Have you ever met someone and from the moment you are in their presence you feel cherished; like you’re the only other person in the world?
I met an older couple like this when I worked at the homeless organization.
Immediately I felt at home with them. We had a wonderful visit and I was sad to see them go.
After they left to go home, I noticed that the man had forgotten his wallet.
My first thought?
I would see them again!
I saw them many times after that but, it took me awhile to figure out why I felt so good around them. It seemed to boil down to their ability to be fully present and listen.
What a gift!
Sadly, I am not naturally this type of person. While you’re talking, my mind is busy formulating a response to what you just said.
I WANT to be that type of person though and I am working on it. It’s a gift that I’d like to share with others.
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Have you ever experienced that gift?
talktodiana 
You’re so right, Diana! Those who really listen to us, who are in a conversation with us and engaged, are definitely the type of people we want to be around more and more often.
It’s truly a rare find, but once found it’s an appreciated one.
~ Andrea ❤
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Agreed! I hope you have a handful of people like that in your life. ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, luckily hubby is one of them ~ as long as the NHL playoffs aren’t on that is! 😀
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haha! I hardly watch sports at all. Not watching soccer either but when I’m sitting on my balcony, I know there a game on TV when I hear tens of people exclaiming OHHHH or woo hoo in unison. It’s hilarious, I’m sure they don’t hear each other but I hear them all. ❤
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Me neither, but Matt keeps it very much alive! TSN is on our computer non-stop!
I love that you can hear everyone’s reactions happening all at once! Who needs the game, that’s entertainment in and of itself!! 🙂
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Maybe in the 21st century….turn off your personal cellphone. Then listen.
I might actually be a better listener than to some family members. Not good. So it means keeping quiet before jumping in which is not a great habit of mine.
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Jean, great point on turning the phone off! I purposely leave the house without it on occasion!
Diana xo
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Yes I am wotking on that too… a real gift, Diana!
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Ute, a gift to others well worth working on! ❤
Diana xo
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I’ve noticed how rare good listeners are, and how when you actually do meet one, they are a huge gift. I am trying to better, just as you are. 🙂
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do better, sorry.
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I knew what you meant! 🙂
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That they are, Jennifer! That’s half the battle, isn’t it? You try and keep trying until you get it right. ❤
Diana xo
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this is something I try to do and fail at quite often.
When you learn the success of 100% application, please pass it on.
🙂
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(smiling) I think it will be a life-long journey Elizabeth. 🙂
Diana xo
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I’ve experienced it too. Funny enough, once with a plumbing guy who came to fix something. He just had that sort of presence. And I know a kindergarten teacher. It always feels special, truly like a gift. I’m with you, I also want to be that kind of person but, I’ve realized it’s a process.
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Yes. It takes practice for sure! I love that a kindergarten teacher has that quality Kristi. How good is that for the kids? I love it.
Diana xo
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This is most certainly a gift of few. When you happen on these people….your life just fills richer for having spent time with them!
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I agree 100% ❤
Diana xo
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Now, that is truly a gift, Diana.
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction – as it’s something that I too need to work on.
Peace,
Eric
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My pleasure! I will be working on it as well, right alongside you.
Diana xo
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No I don’t think I have ever met someone like that nor do I think I am that type of person
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It is an amazing feeling Jo-Anne!
Diana xo
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I enjoyed reading this thoughtful post. It is a gift to be able to create the feeling of total interest and caring when talking to another person.
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Yes it is Sheryl, have you ever experienced it?
Diana xo
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I work so hard at that gift… my mind is guilty of trying to get one step ahead instead of listening to the present… I also find that sometimes that attempt to get ahead has a conversational killing ability… by almost going off track to the present topic… but I do work on it and having met some wonderful people in the hospital I need my full wits about me… specially for the Doctors talking about things I know little about…
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There’s been a bit of chatter about this post on Twitter around the fact that most of us are doing that; figuring out what we’re going to say when the other person stops talking.
The conversation led to the fact that we’re taught to do this. One person summarized by saying society rewards the talkers over the listeners.
Regarding your experience in the hospital, I can only imagine how much ‘medical speak’ you’ve been getting. You sure have been explaining it well to us in your posts though! Hope your health concerns get figured out quickly bulldog. ❤
Diana xo
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My experience with you is always that Diana — that you see me, hear me and are present with me and to me. You listen with your whole heart and body.
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That makes me so happy to hear – Thanks Louise! ❤
Diana xo
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You and Mark makes great points Diana. It truly is a gift! And we get to pay if forward 🙂
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Thanks Val, we do indeed get to pay it forward! ❤
Diana xo
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Wonderful! Great to make connections with new people.
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It certainly is Lisa! ,3
Diana xo
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Totally agree! (I’m a very focused listener…. but in my case, it’s mostly due to being very hard of hearing!
)
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I am not surprised to hear how well you listen in spite of your poor hearing Smitty!
Diana xo
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I think you have discovered one of the keys to relationships, Diana. When you can really listen TO somebody, then you can start talking WITH them.
When I was a young journalist, one of my best bosses pulled me aside and said, “I am going to tell you what one of my best bosses told me, because I like you. Remember this and pass it on some day.” I got excited but real quiet. “The first half of interview is the most important half,” this boss said. Then he wiggled his finger between me and him, me and him, me and him. Then he walked away. I thought and thought and thought and got it.
Yes. Listen to. Talk with. Relationships!
Thanks, Diana. You got it, too.
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I love how one of your best bosses told you what one of his best bosses once told him! And did you ever pass it on?
Thanks for sharing this awesome story Mark!
Diana xo
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I did pass it on, Diana. I was fortunate enough to head the sports department after that, and hire young reporters. Today I passed it on to you, and felt just as good about it. ❤ 🙂
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I love that you passed it on Mark and I’m sure it stayed with those young reporters and that many of them also passed it on!
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It’s alive in newsrooms and the blogging world. Good and really good, Diana!
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Diana
You nailed a problem many of us have! Love the quote and your encouragement to do better.
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Thanks John, I know their daughter as well and she has that same gift!
Diana xo
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