Are you listening?
Do you hear me when I’m quiet?
Your words can sting, even bite. Do you see me recoil? Do you hear my silence?
Your words can cheer. Do you see me smile? Do you hear my silence?
Your actions can feel like a punch to the gut. Do you see me wince? Do you hear my silence?
Your actions can feel like a big, warm hug. Do you see me relax? Do you hear my silence?
Your laugh can intimidate, humiliate, and condemn. Do you see me flinch? Do you hear my silence?
Your laugh can inspire, encourage, and bring joy. Do you see me shine? Do you hear my silence?
Your stare can leave me feeling self-conscious and defeated. Do you see me hide? Do you hear my silence?
Your stare can leave me feeling blessed and loved. Do you see my enthusiasm? Do you hear my silence?
Are you listening?
Do you hear me when I’m quiet?
When you ignore me, I can feel invisible. Do you see me sink into the background? Do you hear my silence?
When you pay attention to me, I can feel special. Do you see me standing tall? Do you hear my silence?
When you lash out, I can feel unsafe. Do you see my fear? Do you hear my silence?
When you show self-control, I can feel safe. Do you see my faith? Do you hear my silence?
When you yell, I can feel small. Do you see me shrink? Do you hear my silence?
When you speak softly, I can feel understood. Do you see me grow? Do you hear my silence?
When you don’t show up, I can feel alone. Do you see my sadness? Do you hear my silence?
When you show up, I can feel valued. Do you see my happiness? Do you hear my silence?
Are you listening?
Do you hear me when I’m quiet?