The Benefits of Talk


                              istockphoto

                                                                                                                                     

 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV  

The Benefits of T

Did you know that good “T” can prove beneficial to your health? Just for a moment I want you to reflect on the last time that you had a good talk with someone. One which was safe to share your ideas, concerns, shortcomings, creations or whatever, and afterwards it left you feeling heard, and understood. Hopefully it wasn’t too long ago. I realize not all conversations go as planned, but for now, I just need you to focus on the ones that left the both of you, if not more, believing the other listened to the  other’s concerns, and exchanged words that kept the connection strong. Do you recall what was said, and how important it was to have that talk? When it was over, how did you feel? Did it leave you feeling relieved, and less burdened? Did you have the sense that change was possible? If you, as I, have had that experience, then I’d imagine you would agree that it felt amazing. This is one of the benefits that a good T has to offer.

Since the beginning of time, we’ve learned that worlds can be transformed when we speak; literally. In fact, the book of Genesis tells us that when God spoke, change happened (Gen 1:3). Think about how amazing that is! The very words He spoke formed a world and everything in it, including us!  He very well could had used His hands to create everything, but instead, He started talking, and He became pleased with the change that happened, declaring it was “good” (Gen 1:1-31). Although talking can bring about good, it can also be bad if both aren’t equally engaged in healthy conversations where the both feel heard. You might've heard that “the power of life or death is in the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), so that means we should use care when we use our voices. Even our body language says something, so be mindful of what it communicates. The same applies when we don’t talk about things, because that leads us to our own conclusions and resentment can build up; then something within us dies, and leaves us feeling insignificant or unloved.

According to Fahim (2017), there are several reasons why talking is beneficial. To start, it can alleviate stress by releasing “stress-reducing hormones,” and cultivate “good relationships,” by building “a sense of well-being, and emotional security.” I know this might be the last thing my guy wants to hear, but I tend to feel emotionally safer with him when we can talk about the things that matters. For me, it helps in developing better listening skills, as I seek to connect with him at the deepest level, without him feeling attacked or unappreciated. Fahim identifies this practice as a second benefit because it strengthens the relationship, and can promote happier, healthier, and longer lives (2017). Talking can also help people gain new perspectives he adds, because when you talk "to someone it can allow them to give their own opinion and helpful advice” that you may not had thought about before (Fahim, 2017).  Lastly, Fahim suggests that healthy talks “allows you to be given the support and encouragement needed to rise to new and different challenges.” I agree with his conclusion that “talking may not always feel good,” but a good talk can bring about healing, make you more determined to rise above the circumstances and create deeper connections with someone you trust is concerned about you.

Hopefully this helps you to grasp how talking can be beneficial. The four benefits Fahim presented are certainly not inclusive of all there are, so as you engage, you will probably discover others. Let me conclude with this  thought I created:  “Silence can be the loudest words never spoken, but a good word said at the right time creates change that quiets the noisiness heard when no one's saying anything” (Teel, 2022). Start talking and create something anew and beneficial.

That's something to sip on...

                                                      Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash



References:

Fahim, A. (2017). Why Talking Is Important - The Student Pocket Guide. Retrieved Nov 06, 2022,                     from: https://www.thestudentpocketguide.com

istockphoto-1131995421-170667a image of two cups retrieved (Nov 06, 2022) from                                             https://www.istockphoto.com

Comments

  1. O my... I love this... Having the right person to talk with is very important. Being able to share a part of you with someone and leave feeling relieved is truly a plus. I've had my moments of sharing with others my concerns and left feeling energized. Thank you for the "T"... Very 😊

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    1. I am glad to hear you've benefited from some healthy T. All of us need it and the cool thing about it, once you get it, you can pour some into someone else's cup of life. Sip, sip, ahhhh... Enjoy! 😁

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  2. Just experienced a getaway with the hubby and it opened up a perfect time to have “Heart to Heart Talk” but most importantly it was being heard & him understanding me better in this stage in our life. These talks really strengthens our relationship & brings harmony & peace! Yes, you are right “Silence can be the loudest words never spoken” and leaves us misunderstood!
    Thank you for sharing, it was very timely!! It is Healing!!💕

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    Replies
    1. Ooooo time away with a loved one! What a wonderful time to have good T. I am grateful to hear that the two of you are enjoying the benefits that strengthens your connection and leaves one another feeling heard and understood. I'm marriage especially, this should be made a priority, because we are constantly evolving as the years come and go. So what's important today may be less so tomorrow, or what sounded like a must be might change to something not so strict. In any case, the key is to lean in and connect. Be aware though, that it might take a couple of brews to get the right and satisfying T you're after. That's ok, as long as it leads to a smoother T that's good and healthy for you both to enjoy.
      Pinky high... sip

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    2. Yes it is good to have a conversation with someone. Just to clear the air and hear their thoughts. However, silent to me isn't always LOUD. When the other person is silent the recipient of that silent will always be thinking. What is he or she thinking about. Is it me. Did I do something wrong. Please say something so I can be at ease or have some conformation from you.
      R/
      Robert Bowers

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    3. Thank you for adding to this T Mr. Bowers. It appears that you may have indulged in a "good conversation" or two. That's great because it promotes understanding and connection with the person to whom you are speaking.
      Your comment further supported what I said about the noise of silence. As mentioned before, it's not just about keeping quiet physically, but also in the mind. When your mind is asking questions, or thinking about things instead of tuning in on what the other person is saying "or not," it can become loud and noisy. Instead of asking yourself questions, then why not ask the person. Stonewalling is not as effective as talking about what is going on, at an appropriate time and in the appropriate place. Use silence to listen, not to have internal conversations. Again, thank you for adding a comment. Let's keep good T flowing... sip! sip!

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