Take Two—10/9/2025
Ideas and inspiration for a life less ordinary.
October 9, 2025
Words to Wonder:
Are you brave enough to slowly listen?
“Communication moves in two directions, even when one person speaks and another listens silently. When the listener is totally present, the speaker often communicates differently... Formulating an opinion is not listening. Neither is preparing a response, or defending our position or attacking another's. To listen impatiently is to hear nothing at all. Listening is suspending disbelief.”
— Rick Rubin, legendary music producer and creative sage
Perspectives to Ponder
We have a bias for speed in our communication.
Not just in texting or instant messaging—but in conversation itself. We admire the person who always has a quick, articulate reply. Their readiness feels like intelligence; their ease, like confidence.
But I wonder if our bias for speed sometimes undermines our ability to truly connect. Because if we were to fully listen—without preparing our reply or rehearsing our thoughts—we might have to sit in silence when the other person stops talking. And silence can feel uncomfortable. It can make us look like we don’t know what to say.
Yet something powerful happens when we resist the urge to rush and instead listen with our full attention—without agenda or interruption. In that quiet space, we give others room to think more clearly, to speak more freely, and we vastly increase our chances of actually understanding what they mean.
Rick Rubin’s insight is profound: “When the listener is totally present, the speaker often communicates differently.” Your attentive presence can be the catalyst that helps someone else find their voice.
Listening—real listening—isn’t passive. It’s thoughtfulness and respect in action. It’s being strong enough to give someone else the stage so you both walk away with a deeper, fuller understanding than when you began.
Are you brave enough to slowly listen?
Life Lessons in a Line
Listening is the patient art of making another person feel heard and understood—proof that your presence and attention speak louder than any quick reply ever could.
A New Chapter Begins
I’m excited to share that my new book, Words to Wonder, releases November 10.
Words to Wonder: 100 Quotes with Reflections and Stories to Inspire the Life You’ve Imagined.
A companion to my first book, A Life Worth Living, it’s filled with timeless quotations, engaging stories, and thought-provoking reflections—a daily dose of perspective and inspiration to help you live the life you imagine.
Stay tuned for more soon.
More to the Story
During his eighteen-year career as a Major League Baseball pitcher, Lee Smith was known for his long, slow walks from the bullpen to the pitcher's mound. Most believed it was part of Lee's strategy to intimidate the batters he would face. But there was more to the story.
Smith was friends with the stadium groundskeepers. He found out that they got paid extra wages if the afternoon games stretched beyond 4:30 pm. Wanting to do his part to help his friends earn some extra money, Smith started the practice of taking his time and walking slowly to the mound in order to delay the end of the game.
Lee’s gesture didn’t cost him anything, but his actions were thoughtful and helped his friends. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures—an encouraging word, a few extra minutes, a simple act of consideration—that leave the deepest mark. What small kindness could you offer someone today to make their load a little lighter?
There’s more to Lee’s story — and it’s worth the read. [Read it here.]
Before You Go
Life expands—or contracts—in proportion to our awareness and attention.
May you live this week with enough stillness to notice the beauty and wonder that hurry too often hides.
Stay inspired by the life you’re living,
Kevin
P.S. Know someone who could use a spark of inspiration for a life less ordinary? Share this newsletter and brighten their week.