I love a good conversation. It’s my soul’s version of a deliciously satisfying chocolate-coffee-pinot noir-endorphin mix. Whether it’s talking about long haul trucking with my husband’s cousin at the family reunion (note to self: remember to turn down high beams when approaching a semi from behind on the highway) or washing dishes, tears dropping into the sudsy water as I listen to a close friend talk about maybe giving up on her marriage, I’m never the same person at the end of a conversation as I was at the beginning. I discover something new about myself or about someone I love. A new idea has been birthed. I’m thankful for my lot. I’m reminded that the world is much much bigger than my four walls.
I heard Daniel Pink speak last week about what motivates us. He was passionate and engaging. Possibly my favourite part was hearing him say the words “frickin’ awesome” in front of 120,000 largely conservative evangelical leaders. But what stuck with me was the phrase… “Anything good in life begins with a conversation”. Because it’s true. I’ve been thinking about blogging for quite a while now, had some good friends poke and prod and profess their undying support of such a venture, and received a one-word email from a mentor tonight -“Soon?”. I spent literally an hour avoiding the computer, trying to figure out why I was so skitterish of jumping in. I love writing. I love reading other people’s writing. I love observing human nature and our brushes with God. There’s so much to write about. So why the cold fear of setting finger to keyboard? And then it hit me. Because I love a good conversation. And until now, I have defined conversation as eye to eye or ear to ear. Coffee not required but obviously encouraged. So I’m gingerly stepping onto new ground and inviting you to come with me. And join in the conversation.
"Anything good in life begins with a conversation" ~ Daniel Pink
About the Author: kirsten
Nice! First thoughts…
1) Yes, she should definitely keep putting finger to keyboard…
2) I also have 3 close friends (not all local) who are considering splitting up. It is painful for everyone! If you have any more insights about how to be a listener, include those!
3) That girl’s got style! I scrolled down to check out the shoes but they weren’t there…
Good job Kirsten! Way to face your fears and jump in.
Thank you Kara! It didn’t occur to me that someone I don’t know might actually read my first entry…how did you find it? The comment about the shoes makes me laugh because I actually consider myself somewhat style-challenged and call on my fashionable friends to help me out! Thanks for the encouraging words – it’s a great idea to explore the whole listening thing in more depth. Take care,
Kirsten
Nice! First thoughts…
1) Yes, she should definitely keep putting finger to keyboard…
2) I also have 3 close friends (not all local) who are considering splitting up. It is painful for everyone! If you have any more insights about how to be a listener, include those!
3) That girl’s got style! I scrolled down to check out the shoes but they weren’t there…
Good job Kirsten! Way to face your fears and jump in.
Thank you Kara! It didn’t occur to me that someone I don’t know might actually read my first entry…how did you find it? The comment about the shoes makes me laugh because I actually consider myself somewhat style-challenged and call on my fashionable friends to help me out! Thanks for the encouraging words – it’s a great idea to explore the whole listening thing in more depth. Take care,
Kirsten
From our conversations I knew you could write, but I did not expect to be moved by reading your first blog. You may have ‘stepped gingerly’ but you are on solid footing.
One of my favourite quotes is from James Humes, a former presidential speech writer who said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” I use that quote on Odvod Media materials not only because I think the statement is true; I also want to encourage others to practice the art of communication. Thank you for doing just that.
From our conversations I knew you could write, but I did not expect to be moved by reading your first blog. You may have ‘stepped gingerly’ but you are on solid footing.
One of my favourite quotes is from James Humes, a former presidential speech writer who said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” I use that quote on Odvod Media materials not only because I think the statement is true; I also want to encourage others to practice the art of communication. Thank you for doing just that.
go Kirsten Go 🙂
go Kirsten Go 🙂