06/11/2025
The Communication Balance Challenge
(In association with “The Power of Balanced Communication” by Julie Lucas–Hokin @ Forward Motion Freedom) Feel free, or not to go back and read the article.
A Note from Julie
Let’s be honest, holiday season conversations can feel like a full-contact sport.
So, as part of our November–December Focus on Balance, I’m trying something radical: pausing before speaking (yes, apparently that’s a thing).
For these two months, each balance article will come with a personal challenge, one that I’m doing myself and inviting you to join if it feels right. No seven-day sprints, no checklists ,just a mindful practice you can lean into (or file under “something funny to try later”).
This one is all about finding balance in communication, because sometimes the trickiest thing to manage isn’t our schedule… it’s our mouths.
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The Communication Balance Challenge
Finding the Sweet Spot Between Speaking and Listening
Ah, communication, that deliciously complicated dance where one misstep can turn connection into chaos. A stray comment, an overzealous truth, a full on mouth vomit from a triggered wound, or a moment when your brain forgets to check in with your mouth before sending the message. (We’ve all been there.)
This month’s challenge is simple but mighty:
Let’s practice the art of balanced communication, that space between silence and overshare, between honesty and diplomacy, between blurting and breathing.
________________________________________ The Challenge
🫢 1. The Power of the Pause
Before you respond, pause.
Not just the polite one-breath pause that barely registers, but the kind where the other person starts wondering if your Wi-Fi dropped.
If you can stretch it long enough that they’re tempted to jump in and finish your sentence for you, congratulations, you’ve reached advanced pause mastery.
If all you can manage is one deep breath before your words tumble out, that’s still progress. (Beginner level unlocked: one inhale, no regrets.)
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🍋 2. Sweeten the Mix
Speak your truth, but serve it with care.
A dash of kindness turns honesty from “ouch” to “okay, I can hear that.”
Remember, it’s not censorship; it’s seasoning. Epsom salts might look like sugar, but only one belongs in the pie.
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👂 3. Listen Like You Mean It
Try listening without planning your reply.
Not just nodding politely, actually absorbing what’s said.
Balanced communication is a duet, not a solo. (Even if you think you have the better lyrics.)
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🩷 4. Repair with Grace
When words go sideways, and they will, own it, laugh (if appropriate), and start again.
“Can we hit reset?” is often the most balanced phrase you’ll ever say.
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🪞 5. Celebrate the Tries, Not the Perfection
Balance isn’t about never stumbling. It’s about noticing when you wobble and gently returning to centre, hopefully without spilling your emotional coffee on anyone.
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💬 Wrapping It Up
Balanced communication is less about flawless delivery and more about showing up with awareness. It’s the willingness to pause, add a little sweetness, and stay curious in the conversation, even when things get messy.
So, here’s my challenge, and my invitation:
Let’s practice the art of communication with a little more grace, a little more humour, and a lot more heart.
And if all else fails, remember:
“Sorry, I’m practicing my pause” is a perfectly acceptable way to buy time and sound wise.
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