Happiness is Being Heard
Since the start of the year – in honor of 5 years of our NVR lifestyle – we’ve been focused on raising the bar. Being even bolder about pursuing what we want out of life, more passionately expressing our viewpoints and wholeheartedly advocating for what we believe in.
Along with that, we’ve created little challenges that inspire us to be more aware as fellow human beings. We’ve got it so good, that it’s easy to forget that there are a lot of people out there who simply need someone to lend an ear. Many people feel isolated or alone or, perhaps, broken. We both know that feeling all too well, so it’s incumbent upon us to be available to those in need of a friend.
So, over the last months, we’ve challenged ourselves to focus on lending a supportive ear and to honor the unique stories of people we meet.
Entering into interactions with this mindset has led to many memorable connections. Hearing – really hearing – others’ stories has been quite illuminating. It’s also helped us to better understand different perspectives and to know more people on a below-the-surface level. Turns out that being the space for someone to talk freely can be tremendously rewarding. After simply complimenting one guy on an ambitious life goal and encouraging him to dream big, his eyes filled with tears and he told us that it was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to him. We were shocked.
What we didn’t fully expect is that – as is the case with everything in life – you get back what you put out. Our trying to be more sincere and engaged with others has led to reciprocal behavior.
This week, foster happiness. Honor someone’s humanity by being whatever “space” they need. Tell someone you care about his or her story. Let someone know that they are great at what they do. Tell someone you love him or her. Assert your belief in someone. Mean it.
It will come back to you.
Fittingly, we’re heading off to Costa Rica – the “happiest country in the world.” In addition to our usual power-exploring, we’re going to be finalizing our goals for the year ahead. It’s going to be huge, and we’re excited to share.
Happiness is being heard. Everyone wants to be heard and feel like what they say is important. I am sure it would make someone’s day to truly listen to them. Great read. Thanks.
We just got to thinking that, sometimes, we over think how to be good/helpful for/to other people. Amazing how doing such a little thing – listening – can have such a big impact.
Costa Rica?!! Damn, you guys get around
It’s been a busy year in a lot of ways, including travel.
Hey Gents, Congratulations on your successful loving relationship for a decade+! Have a beautiful anniversary celebration in Costa Rica!
Bravo for living such conscious lives! It is a real pleasure & honer
to have you as friends. Big Hugs, K & O
Ah, thanks guys. What a nice thing to say.
You guys should read the Happiness Project. It’s a great book with some awesome ideas to increase and sustain HAPPINESS!
Will do! Heard about that from David.
Ahhh I loved this post, it made me feel all uplifted. Have a great time in Costa Rica x
Thanks, Scarlett. It’s our second time in Costa Rica, so we have big hopes.
This is a beautiful and important message. It is one that bears repeating. Often.
I’ve had wonderful experiences since moving to the Netherlands and the majority of them have come from just being near a person and listening to his/her story. Most of these wonderful people are immigrants and their stories are of war and personal struggle. I hope to continue to be that ‘space’ for them and for others in whatever way I can.
Thank you for the extra inspiration!!
How cool, Gayla – thanks for sharing. That inspires us!
I pop in here sometimes and actually feel like I’m looked after.
You are
This is one of the most positive sites I’ve come across. I can feel the energy and it’s a nice feeling!!
Thanks for this thoughtful post. There’s someone I know who needs to be heard this week. I’m on it.
Cool, Cathy!
This is fabulous! It’s amazing how really listening to someone can really turn their day around. Although I don’t live near my grandparents, I make a point to call them weekly for exactly that.
Great point, Jess. The elderly are so often forgotten.
I love you guys. When I was a full-time feature reporter, that was my favorite part: how much it meant to people to have someone ask so many questions about their life and have people read about their story. There’s a new TV show on CBS called Vegas based on our real-life local hero, Sheriff Ralph Lamb. I met him on Tuesday, and he about teared up talking about what it’s like to have all these people want to know what his life was like — the viewers, the fancy TV people, Dennis Quaid, etc.
Oh my god, Abby – are you pitching Vegas on our site
Kidding. Seriously, though, who doesn’t like the feeling of knowing that someone wants to hear your story – to know what you’re all about.
I love you guys for always being so positive and encouraging! Looking forward to hearing about the upcoming plans.
Thanks, Ali! We’re excited to figure stuff out and to share.
Lovely post guys! I try to live my life this way, but sometimes with the rush, commuting, work etc. it’s hard
True. Hopefully this reminder will help