If No One Will Listen

"If no one will listen, if you decide to speak. If no one is left standing after the bombs explode. If no one wants to look at you for what you really are, I will be here still"-Kelly Clarkson

I just recently heard this beautiful song by Kelly Clarkson called "If no one will listen". Not only was I moved by the beauty of the song, melody, and arrangment but it really made me think about what it means to truly listen and to truly care about a person.

As any of my close friends or even acquaintances could tell you I am often a very loud, outgoing, and fun person. However I do have a quieter and more reflective side to me than most would think. I don't have very many close friends at all. Infact I can hardly say that I even have three. I say this not because its a bad thing, more so that I do not invest my emotions and secrets into others easily. This being said, another reason for not having many close friends is that I am a very deep person and I enjoy serious conversation. I can speak for myself and I'm sure for others as well that sharing emotions, feelings, thoughts, and even faith can be very difficult as I mentioned above. However one thing I always hold strong to is that when someone is open with me or wants to carry out a discussion I invest every part of who I am into that person and conversation. This doesn't necessarily mean I'll share everything right away, but whatever is appropriate and whatever I truly feel, I will communicate.

We live in a world that is so filled with texing, computers, messaging, and everything is done and said through a screen. What happened to authentic converstions? Authentic relationships? And what happened to people being ready to listen when needed?

It is my focus right now to become a better listener. To invest every part of who I am into the conversations and daily interactions I have. This will hopefully make me a better person, a better listener, and a greater friend.