Getting past the 'small-talk' to building more effective communication

byRBKn

64 followers

4 years ago

A couple of weeks ago I had an experience that has prompted me to write this blog.

Whilst reading through some WA newcomers' bios, I came across a remarkable one written by a young woman. She described having recently experienced several major life challenges which included her dad's bereavement, personal ill-health, and loss of employment.

As I read her story, I immediately felt compassion.

I wanted to reach out and let her know that I understood how she might be feeling after experiencing multiple losses. (I went through similar experiences 6 years ago).

However, instead of reaching out, I noticed I felt 'frozen' by indecision. My head was thinking of a carefully worded message to send her. My heart wanted to respond with empathy.

I didn't know how best to express this in a message, without coming across as sounding overly sympathetic or patronising. After overthinking my response and ended up not responding.

Being unable to respond naturally and effectively really bothered me for several days afterward. I knew that I wasn't being true to myself.

" To the young woman,

Your story resonated with me, this message is for you. I can imagine what it feels like to have experienced your losses. I understand how you might be feeling. I have shared similar experiences to yours.

Best wishes with your journey. "

This experience has taught me valuable lessons of listening and following my intuition and acting with integrity, no matter what the situation. Don't allow the 'online medium' to get in the way of a natural human response.