Around Aggie’s 6 month point my sister in law ( an incredibly talented + passionate pediatric occupational therapist in the Florida area ) told me something I’ll never forget. As babies are babbling and starting to chit chat it’s important to listen and engage. Something as simple as a head nod or a question back (“really? tell me more”) can do so much for these tiny humans. It helps them to realize from a very early stage that what they’re saying is important.

I’ve been lucky enough to have been surrounded by some pretty incredible ladies lately. I feel so honoured and excited about these women so without getting all girl crushy on you [ even though most of the time I just want to explode with how awesome I think they are ] I hope that they somehow just know who they are. In each of my separate adventures with them I’ve felt such a strong sense of being listened to. Whether it’s eye contact, a good laugh or an email / text at just the right time. To know that you’re really being heard is one of the most satisfying things as a human. All too often we talk over one another without even letting the other person finish their thought. Even if it comes from a place of genuine excitement – to let someone really feel like they can share what’s on their mind and have you listen is a pretty big honour.

As I’m walking and exploring with Agatha I try to chat back, to embrace what she’s trying to say and to talk to her as well, sharing what I’m doing, what I’m cooking and the process of it all, because even if she can’t speak the words back to me, she’s there, listening to it all.

I have been consciously trying to make an effort to listen closely and to take a deep breath before I slowly answer. I can definitely (and honestly say) that it doesn’t come naturally to me. If you hear me on the phone with my own mama bear I’m probably talking a million miles a minute. The point is though, that I’m trying, because just like the rest of us, when you really feel like you’re in the company of someone who cares and who wants to listen, you can feel that fire ignite within you.

There’s nothing like two souls hitting it off in a simple connection. A friendship sparked. An idea created. A tiny thought turning into a small reality. It goes for humans but it also goes for ourselves. Listen closely and listen quietly and slowly the things that you need to be doing will rise up within you. Speaking and acting from a place of love and intention is pretty awesome – I think that’s where the healing happens (and where the babies get made).

Maybe create the space to listen and be present with your partner or your tiny person/people this weekend. Maybe go somewhere where you can put the phones away, where the sun is shining or the rain is pouring and the ground is calling for your feet to walk and explore together. I think adventures always help create the best conversations.