Getting Things Off My Chest: Think Thank Listen Share

I learned the meaning of four words this past week as I traveled back to Atlanta and Tennessee to reconnect with old friends, family and colleagues, and make new friends with women from all over the country attending a Women’s Cancer Survivor Convention in Nashville.

The words are Think, Thank, Listen, Share.  

“Think” as in think before you speak or post. How you say something can be interpreted many ways, and words are harder to retract these days. Two examples: Women cancer survivors shared stories about misinformed comments people make such as “Oh, you have the good kind of cancer.” (told to a women with thyroid cancer). Or, “I didn’t know you smoked,” said to the woman with lung cancer (as if she brought it on herself).  My husband posted a photo of Elizabeth Taylor in “Cat on the Roof” on Facebook, and a friend posted this comment:, “Nice, sexy natural breasts. How refreshing.”  I didn’t think it was the smartest thing to say to the husband of a breast cancer survivor who had a double mastectomy.  She apologized profusely after I called her on it.

 “Thank” as is learn to thank the people who help you along the way and give them credit. To me a hand-written note is special. I have kept many of the thank you notes I have received over the years from employees and colleagues. Bob Cohn, a former boss of mine at his public relations firm in Atlanta, recently held a reunion of all his employees which I attended. I went up to him and thanked him for his mentorship and told him I built my own company based on the spirit of entrepreneurship and out- of -the box thinking that he instilled in me. He was visibly moved. “Thank you” are two simple words that can deliver a major impact.

“Listen” as in take the time to ask questions, get to know people and listen to their stories. I’ve made a living pitching and selling ideas. Now, as chronicler, writer and connector I am practicing the art of listening with more intent. Everyone has a story to share; it just takes some people more time to open up. This week I listened to women share their stories and truly believe no matter where we live, what we do, how old we are, and where we come from, we all face ups and downs and put one foot in front of the other every day to move forward.

Which brings me to the last word, “Share.” Recently I shared some words of advice with high school students on being fearless and fabulous in life. I told them never to be afraid of taking chances. I said remember your roots no matter what direction you take. I told them to expand their horizons but also learn to set boundaries. I shared a few lessons I learned from making smart choices and dumb mistakes. I told them the importance of learning to think with a straight head   before speaking and listen with a clear mind before passing judgement. I told them to listen to their hearts and minds but also to people who’ve traveled the path before them.  I told them to thank the people who help them along the way and to learn to share their talents and experience with those who may need a little more help.

We live in a world of words, some with with clear meaning and some mumbo jumbo. Yet, I worry that the next generation is so focused on connecting online that they are disconnected socially to the people around them. I worry that the next generation will speak and think in sound bites, characters and phrases and lose the ability to express themselves in writing or speaking. When I walk down the street or ride a subway it seems everyone is tuned in with headphones and tuned out to everything around them. Will we become so focused on tuning into music on our headphones that we will no longer appreciate the songs of the birds?

I wonder if the art of being gracious and having manners will go away with land lines and stationary stores. Will we become a generation that points at things to make them happen rather than rolling up your sleeves and lending a hand?

 Is anyone listening and thinking about this as well? if so, thank you for sharing!

Share this...

Facebook

Google

Twitter

Linkedin

Email

Yummly

Whatsapp

Diggit

Pinterest

Reddit