Listen to That Little Voice Inside…

I cross paths with an acquaintance at work.  We’re not particularly close, but we’re friendly when we pass each other in the halls.  We exchange hellos and goodbyes, but that’s the extent of our conversations.  A nod and a wave… and that’s about it.

Yesterday, we followed our same ritual, but a little voice inside me told me to look deeper into Pam’s face — so I did. 

I didn’t notice anything different.  She smiled and nodded her hello and goodbye as usual. 

Today, Pam walked pass my opened door.  That little voice inside me told me to follow her back to her office and check on her — so I did.

I knocked on her closed door.  She called for me to come in, smiled when she saw me, and waited for me to tell her why was I there…

I wasn’t sure exactly what to say.  Why was I there? 

All I could say was that I wanted to come by and check on her… I just wanted to make sure she was alright.

She stopped for a second, deciding how to answer.  Then she began to tell me of her current struggles — at work, at home, with her ex, and with her kids — and how she felt so all alone… bottling everything in… pretending how everything was fine…

I couldn’t change her circumstance.  I couldn’t change her ex-husband or her kids.  I couldn’t relieve her from her struggles. 

All I could do was listen… but that was enough. 

Talking it all out helped her put things in perspective.  Having a sounding board helped her organize her thoughts.  Simply giving her my attention and listening helped. 

Listening helped.  

It helps…

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