However - slowly but surely some real fringe benefits emerged as I began to listen and observe as opposed to speak and do all the time. I learnt a lot but I just want to focus on a few key areas as follows:
- People often say one thing but mean another. You can see it in their body language and tone of voice. I became acutely aware of Yes's that meant No and vice versa.
- That if you listen rather than talk people tell you far more and you learn far more useful stuff that you would previously have missed out on. Sometimes people are quiet and unassuming but this does not mean that they do not have loads to contribute. It is not necessarily those that shout loudest that have the best things to say either.
- I saw and experienced my children in a completely different way too. I had to listen and my youngest took full advantage telling me long and convoluted opinions and ideas on multiple topics. I saw clearly how he was growing up and developing and it was really amazing. I really had no idea who he was until that week and it was a wake up call. DO NOT MISS THIS BECAUSE IT IS TRULY AWESOME.
- I got a lot of other work done because I did not waste time chatting. I do love a good gossip!. Christmas is well and truly organised now.
So being ill had benefits and I was actually humbled by the experience. I may have to take a monthly vow of silence so I don't miss this obvious life benefit ever again.
