When people don't have voice they often lose hope.
Similarly when people feel invisible they typically don't respond, contribute, or engage.
On the other hand, when you make a few minutes to listen to someone's story, hear their questions, and respond with care, their response is ready and their voice alive.
It's such a simple remedy to situations where hopelessness or disinterest reign.
I want to think more about this as I reach out to the children I teach, colleagues I work with, and family/friends I love.