The Art of Listening

By Kim Groshek

I used to think I was a great listener. After all, I’ve spent years hosting events and sessions, keynote talks, and deep-dive strategy meetings. But one day, during a leadership retreat, someone asked me,?“Do you listen to respond or to understand?”

That question stuck with me.

I started noticing how often we fill silences with our own thoughts, how we rush to reply instead of soaking in what’s actually being said. So I decided to practice something radical:?true listening.?No fixing, no interjecting, just being present.

One day, a woman at an event told me about the struggles of balancing her business and family. Normally, I would have jumped in with advice. Instead, I paused. I listened. And when she finished, she exhaled deeply and said,?“Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever really been heard before.”

That moment shifted everything for me. Listening is an art, not a passive act. It requires patience, presence, and a willingness to put ego aside. When we truly listen, we give others the greatest gift—validation, connection, and understanding.

So, ask yourself: Are you listening, or just waiting to speak?

Sending you enormous ?? love. Please thank the part of you that brought you here today.?Love to everyone!?Never settle for anything less than what you put your mind to! Take some quiet time?so that you can hear your????heart.

From my heart to yours, Sat Nam and Namaste.

Kim

Book Updates..?

Fiction Novel (Draft 2) https://amzn.to/3QNvDfS

Looking for readers if you are interested, reply and tell me. I’m on draft 2, the almost-final?draft of the second book in the series.?If?you haven’t seen it, check out the first one on Amazon:?Shards of the Past. Some of you are “READERS,” and I’m looking for readers for each chapter.?If?you are interested, reply to this email and tell me, and I’ll send you the very simple?instructions and the first chapter?to read at your leisure.?https://amzn.to/3Dhx2Z6?

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365 DAYS OF PAUSE & ABUNDANCE

Is out and ready for you, prompting you to practice each day for 365 days. Get it here.?https://amzn.to/4brNq63?

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REVITALIZE FOR THE SOUL: Our newest book collaboration is out, telling heart-felt stories Check?it out here?https://amzn.to/3DekZvK

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SCAMMED: If you want to read a more controversial book, Scammed Vol. 1 is for you. Check it out here?https://amzn.to/4h5rYoz

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Podcast Episode: Newest Podcast Episode listen here?https://soundbits.lifefulhabits.com?

Lessons Learned this week…?Thoughts, Reflections and Lessons — Full?transparency. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn!” Let God!

Paint?your?life?with?color.

Kim Groshek is a writer and artist who believes in better living through a simple smile, kind words, spirited and colorful?conversation. She creates uplifting and symbolic stories; and when not typing a story or painting on canvas, you can find her?running or walking outdoors, swimming, riding her bike, practicing yoga, reading, or just hanging with her daughter and favorite?guy.?