First, Listen

Not in the same way you listen to podcasts on your morning commute.

Not in the way you listen to music while you’re in your shop or at the gym or on a walk.

Not in the way you hear your kid request yet another cookie.

Not in the way that you listen to an argument, already preparing your retort.

But deep, patient listening.
Listening to gather the way things truly are.
Listening for the soul of a thing, a person, a moment, a challenge to be revealed.*

If we listen in this way first, the creative way forward will always come.

This is true in writing.
In resolving conflict.
In personal growth.

First, listen. Deeply.

H/T to Luther Matsen for teaching me this.