Do you feel like you are not being heard?

It has been some time since I wrote a post. It was great taking a break and good to be back. I had my fill of new cultures, people, and stunning ancient buildings. I enjoyed traveling light, a wanderer in the world without a care.

It is always hard to begin posting after a break. I am gripped by a sort of writer’s rigor mortis after not writing for several weeks. I procrastinate. This time, though, the topic fell into my lap.

An acquaintance mentioned that she was not ‘feeling heard’ – her best friend, she said, decided what topics were worthy of discussing. And he usually felt that most of the topics she wanted to discuss were not worth his time. Her reaction has been to try even harder to become a ‘better friend’ so that her issues are heard and discussed. She is miserable.

Friend, acquaintance, family member or whoever it may be… this type of individual is one big red flag. Those who constantly trivialize your issues or do not have time to hear you out have no place in your life. They lower your self-esteem by being dismissive, making you believe that you views and opinions are worthless. They expect you to adhere to their views and way of thinking. They weaken you mentally, until you start believing that perhaps you are worthless. You keep trying harder and harder to please them, while feeling more and more diffident. Soon, your physical health suffers as well.

If someone does not have the time to hear you out, stop giving them your time. Immediately. Do not stand there, begging them to hear you out because they won’t. Simply walk away. As fast as you can. Without looking back. Run, if you still have the energy to do so after being around these soul-sucking individuals who cannot see beyond their own egos. Leave their toxic little kingdoms and move to better territory as fast as you can.

Do not expect them to change. You change. Change your environment. Change your way of thinking. Interact with people who make you feel heard and good about yourself. You will instantly feel upbeat. You will smile and laugh more. You will start valuing yourself. And your life will change for the better.