Are We Really Listening?

I received a disturbing call on yesterday that immediately led to our topic for today. I learned that a friend’s eleven year old granddaughter committed suicide earlier this week.

My emotions were all over the place, and as I pondered how tragic this must be for the family, I thought to myself “Are We Really Listening”? People are struggling with depression, bullying, health, and stress issues among other things that seem to go unnoticed.

Are we listening to the warning signs that people are sending us on a daily basis? Children and adults alike are crying out for help, but we are wrapped up into our own little world.

It is time for us to watch and listen to what others are saying and maybe not saying. Sometimes they may never say a word, but are speaking very loud. Their body language may speak for them, or a change in their diet can speak as well.

I believe that when we are faced with different challenges, we choose different avenues to handle them. We sometimes try to handle things on our own to avoid “worrying or bothering” others.

We separate ourselves from others in fear of what they may think or say about us. Some of us are afraid to share our struggles.

But when we notice any type of change in our loved ones, we must be aware and concerned.

Here are a list of warning signs to recognize when people are in NEED of HELP:

1. Hear what’s being said and not said.

2. Evaluate the changes in their behavior.

3. Listen to the tell tail signs and clues they may be sending.

4. Pay attention to their surroundings.

Are We Really Listening to our family and friends when they scream in silence that life has become unbearable to them? If not, let’s make a commitment today to start being more present when others are going through a hard time.