Feels Like Yellow

It’s griefy here, with a chance of sunny undertone. Warm welcome!

I was born with the gift of gab. All through elementary and high school I was told by every teacher who ever taught me that I talked way too much. Every report card comment section noted my inability to keep to myself in class. Teachers should have just handed me a journal and encourage me to jot down my thoughts instead of blurting them out. Maybe I’d have a book written by the time I graduated! I’d least have had some content to work with. I am a stationary nerd who will shut up on demand in exchange for pretty paper and a smooth writing utensil, so it would have been worth a try, just sayin’.

Heya all, I’m Jennifer.

I have grown since then. As we age, we have the advantage of learning the art of listening. Really listening to what people are saying and internalizing their thoughts. We can contribute to conversations while being mindful of how we deliver our messages. When we take a beat to process words and formulate a feelings-based response we are heard. Carefully crafted questions stemming from love and curiosity are more likely to be answered by those who typically feel vulnerable in engaging.

I do still talk a lot - I am a volunteer grief support facilitator where I host groups for bereaved families who have lost a baby and I advocate for better health care resources. I’m a born and raised animal rights activist, boy mom and have a full-time career in HR. There is a lot of talking to do in these roles! Using this space here on Substack to share learnings from meaningful conversations that might speak to others in a broader network. I am recently separated after being with my high school sweetheart for 30 years, so the topic of divorce is sure to surface from time to time as well.

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