Week 7

Week 7 was a stressful one. With my kids last week of school, one child graduating, one who a dance recital and 8 dances, still packing to move and my parents coming for a visit, it was too much! This was the week I asked myself why I decided to take classes this semester. I'm sure it won't be the only week I ask the same question!
The material was good this week. I read Covey's 7 Habits a long time ago so it was good to refresh,
I think the most powerful for me at this time in my life is seek first to understand and then to be understood. Long term relationships take a lot of effort and sometimes we forget to really listen. Many times I just wish my spouse would listen before interrupting. and listen without offering advise. Sometimes I just need someone to listen and be a sounding board. It is important to really listen to what someone is saying before not only responding but also from formulating what you are going to say before they have even finished. I find myself thinking about what i want to say even before they have finished. I know this is wrong because it drives me crazy when other do it to me. I can point to several instances just this week where my spouse didn't listen to everything I said before I had finished or listen to only part of what I said it it ended up causing problems later. I am guilty of this as well. It is so important to really listen to what someone is saying. If you are going to take the time to talk to someone, you may as well listen to what they are saying. If we do I think the part about being understood will take care of itself.
I think as I strive to achieve private and public victory the win win principle will be important. If I win at someone else's expense it's not a very satisfactory victory. We should all win because in the next life that is exactly what we will have. There is not a limited number of people who can enter the celestial kingdom. God wants all of us there so why not help each other along.

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