Day 20- Don't Interrupt

What I have found rotating between DSTSS and TLL is that TLL relates to how I want to be, and DSTSS tells me how to get there. Today's lesson from DSTSS is to listen and not interrupt while others are talking.

Carlson says that interrupting during a conversation leads to increased thinking and both people speeding up their speech. It can cause nervousness, irritability, and annoyance. Not surprisingly, I do this. Hello, my name is Heather and I interrupt people.

My therapist told me once that people with GAD often have ADHD. It can cause my thoughts to go straight from my brain to my mouth without pausing to think about what I am saying first. I don't know if I buy into all of the ADHD hype, but I definitely do not think before speaking. It is something I am aware of and try to work on, but it is also really hard work for me. I have to try daily to try and train my brain to intercept thoughts that translate directly to speech. It is quite exhausting.

I believe that this characteristic of mine is what leads me to interrupting others during a conversation.

Additionally, I lose my train of thought easily. Many times I interrupt because I know I will not remember a thought I wanted to share with the person if I have to wait for them to finish a sentence.

Regardless of why I interrupt, it is something I need to work on. I know that having more relaxing conversations will lead to a more calm place for me emotionally. Today, I will make an extra effort to listen and

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The other day I watched my husband play church league basketball. He kept driving to the hole and when he stopped to look at me during a free throw, I mouthed "ball hog," to him. It wound up hurting his feelings, but I didn't mean it to. Just now, typing this, I realized I am a word hog. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Sorry again, dolly.

--Today I ask you, God, to help me to allow others to finish their sentences. I realize that by interrupting them I may be making them think that their words and thoughts are not important. Please help me to correct this pattern and make others more comfortable in conversation with me. Amen.