My husband Jeremy and I have done a few podcasts in the last few months. Before engaging in this endeavor I had not listened to one entire podcast in my life, (I prefer audiobooks, and if I am interested in a podcast I just read the transcript), but it was an opportunity to stretch and grow by doing something uncomfortable. If I am going to encourage others to try new things then I better be willing to practice what I preach.

This podcast is titled: Communication. A pretty simple topic, am I right?

Takeaways for me included the reality that working on communication is a forever thing. There is no formula to solve. It is complicated. Period. Jeremy brought up the importance of being able to engage in difficult conversations, personally and professionally. In general, I would say we are all pretty terrible at this. Good news, though, we can get better! (Insert enthusiastic fist pump here.)

Whenever I enter into a difficult conversation, I try to consider a basic litmus test: Will this be worth it? What does “worth it” mean? It means that the motivation to have the conversation is to hopefully make things better or more clear, to attempt improve the relationship or situation. Of course that might not always be the outcome, but if I feel strongly enough about something to engage in the discomfort, it usually means it is worth it to at least try. And more often than not, even if there is still discomfort after the conversation, I am glad and feel relieved that I at least tried to communicate as honestly and directly as possible.

My friend and fellow writer Nate recently reminded me that doing hard things is good for you. And on the topic of communication, my encouragement from that reminder is:

• Consider your communication styles. How do you most effectively communicate with those closest to you?

• How much intentional thought have you put into your communication styles and preferences?

• How good are you at considering what communication styles work best for others?

• When is the last time you had a difficult conversation? How did it turn out? Was it worth it?

• How would you like to grow in the area of communication?

And one final suggestion. When you get offended by something you hear, read, or by something that is said to you, I challenge to you to consider why. We can dig deeper into this another day. Meanwhile, keep talking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTNXkXxnl68&t=2s