I was extremely busy this Monday morning when a colleague approached me and said," Can I share something? I don't know if I should share this to you. But I really need to speak to someone. I know you're busy, but can you lend me your ears?"
"Sure", I said.
Without giving the other details, she cried, I got teary eyed. I held back because I had to be strong enough as a listener. Besides, I don't want to be red-eyed after that. LOL. Well, I have those eyes which are hard to tame after shedding a tear or two. So, I listened.
And I said my piece and hugged her.
It's amazing how that few minutes of genuine listening lifted a burden.
What if I said no and paid more attention to my tasks?
She was so grateful. But as I go to sleep tonight, I realized that I am more grateful. I will bring this happier feeling of being trusted.
As they say, there are few triggers that can equal a good book, a good walk, a good hug, or a good friend. And these come for free.