I'm sure that you've noticed in each of my email I ask a question. This question is designed to get you thinking, thinking about what you want in life, thinking about how powerful you are or learning to appreciate the good things you have in your life. I do this because we don't always find time or even think to ask ourselves or others these questions.
A typical conversation with a friend or partner could go like this:
“How was your day?”
“Good, thanks. Yours?”
“Fine, thanks.”
Sound familiar? This kind of automatic conversation does not lead anyone to think..
What if we started to ask each other different questions? Questions that did allow us to reflect.- try asking a more specific, but still open-ended questions.
What was the best part of your day?
What’s something unusual that happened today?
Did you learn anything new today?
What are you most proud of today?
These kinds of questions inspire more meaningful and enjoyable conversations and can show someone you really care about what they have to say. The goal isn’t always to fix their problems but to invite them to think through their day and extract something valuable from it, even if it was a frustrating day. The goal is to hold a supportive space for the highs and lows, to reinforce successful strategies, to celebrate their joys, and to offer empathy where needed.
Something to keep in mind is that your presence is just as powerful as the question itself, maybe even more important. The people you love deserve your undivided attention and sincere support.
