Conversations over a cup of coffee

Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations happen over a cup of coffee and a listening ear. I recently had an insightful conversation with my granddaughter Chelsea, which allowed me to put my new year’s goal of improving my listening skills into practice. During this conversation, Chelsea discussed the future direction of her studies and career. As we sat down, with our coffee, in the shade of our back deck, Chelsea’s passion for early learning became the focal point of our discussion.

She currently works in an early learning centre while she completes her studies, an experience that has sparked her desire to delve deeper into this field. Her eagerness to make a lasting impact on young lives and her determination to shape their futures positively was evident by the way she talked about the progress those in her care are making. This was definitely a good time to practice a conscious decision I had made to listen, rather than advise, allowing Chelsea to take the lead in the conversation.

The beauty of this conversation was not only in Chelsea’s sharing of her thoughts and ideas but also in the new me, hard as it is – a dedicated listener. Instead of jumping in with suggestions or guidance, I made the conscious decision to value her perspective and knowledge without interruptions. I noticed that this change in my approach allowed Chelsea to freely unravel her thoughts, revealing a depth of understanding and insight that might have remained hidden had I taken the control of the conversation.

By listening intently, I provided Chelsea with a safe space to explore her ideas and aspirations. I could see the joy on her face as she talked about her vision for creating innovative and nurturing learning environments for young children. It was clear that she felt heard and supported, which only fuelled her enthusiasm to share further. For example, my preconceived notion that Gen Z is the technology generation was quickly dispelled when she described her interest in paper mâché making and hand drawn images rather than computer generated. She did however admit to using a cardboard cut-out of a phone to teach numbers!

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

Often, when we engage in conversations with loved ones, we are quick to offer advice or share our wisdom and experiences. While this approach may be well-meaning, it can unintentionally stifle the flow of ideas and deter true understanding. Our eagerness to provide guidance may inadvertently overshadow the perspectives and insights of those we care about.

In this conversation with Chelsea, by refraining from advising and instead actively listening, I not only gained a deeper understanding of her passion but also allowed her to explore her own thoughts and ideas more fully. It became clear that her development as an individual and professional was boosted by my willingness to simply listen and value her input.

Conversations over a cup of coffee have a way of nurturing connection and opening up meaningful conversations. By creating an environment that encourages open communication, we can empower those we care about to share their dreams, aspirations, and concerns. The simple act of listening can play a changing role, offering support, validation, and a platform for self-discovery.

CONCLUSION

I realised that this experience had been just as fascinating for me as it had been for Chelsea. I learned that sometimes the most impactful conversations are not about offering solutions but rather about providing a listening ear and showing genuine interest in the thoughts and dreams of others.

That summer’s afternoon was a turning point for me. I witnessed something so remarkable when I listened and in resisting the temptation to impress my wisdom – I discovered Chelsea’s dreams and aspirations. In that moment, I realised that she had grown into an incredible young woman despite having faced numerous trials and tribulations in her young life. But despite all that, she has developed a steadfast sense of compassion and a genuine desire to shape the lives of young children.

‘I absolutely love being an early learning teacher. It’s such a privilege to be a part of these young children’s lives and witness their curiosity and growth every day. I feel grateful to play a role in shaping their educational foundation and setting them up for success in the future. It’s a job that fills my heart with joy and reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place.’

~ Chelsea Sandys-Silakivai

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations happen over a cup of coffee and a listening ear”

~ Beryl Segers

You may download a copy of this quote here.