Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
[Intro] [Habit One] [Habit Two] [Habit Three] [Habit 4] [Habit 5] [Habit 6] [Habit 7] [Conclusion]
As you can see - these habits are for more then just dealing with a diabetes diagnosis. These habits take you inside yourself, and are good for anyone - for dealing with any situation. this one is no different.
Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
Who let Yoda in here? “Understand you must, yes. Then understood you will be. Hmmm.” Ok, so I’m showing my geek a little bit there, but I can’t help it - it goes hand in hand with my snark, and sometimes you just can’t hold in either! Despite that fact, and my annoyance with cheesy self-help stuff, this is an important point to remember.
When’s the last time we listened - really listened - before we jumped in and talked? I mentioned before that there’s going to be a whole lot of information thrown at you when you get your diagnosis. There will be a thousand and one things to learn, and a lot of emotions will rise up with it. That’s normal stuff and should be expected - and you’re gonna want/need to vent. We’re all human, after all. But before that, you need to listen.
I know, it’s hard to step back. But you need to, in order to insure you understand your doctor, your practitioner, those teaching you how to get your diabetes under control. Listen with head and heart, and make sure you have the practical skills you’re going to need for self-care. Don’t forget your family too. If you’re making them feel understood and comfortable, they’re more likely to be willing to help you in whatever way you need - even if it’s just not offering that delicious bacon egg and cheese biscuit you’ve been craving to keep temptation out of your reach.
If you listen first, then talk second after hearing what they other person has to say, you’re more likely to keep healthy communication going and get over any differences of opinion.
I know. It always sucks being the bigger person, don’t it? Just remember that you’ll get your time to vent too.
August 28th, 2008 at 2:36 am
[...] Original post by Lessa [...]