Hi Reader,

Think about the relationships that mean the most to you: your partner, close friends, family, colleagues, maybe even the connection you have with yourself.

What if I told you there’s one simple shift that could deepen every single one of those relationships?

It’s this: learning to truly listen.

I’m not talking about the kind of listening we often do, nodding along while our minds are racing to respond. I’m talking about listening with vulnerability, with genuine curiosity, and without the need to fix or solve.

It’s about letting go of the filters shaped by past experiences and allowing ourselves to be present—fully.

In today’s world, true listening is a rare gift. But when we practice it, it can change everything.

Imagine how different your interactions would feel if you paused to genuinely hear your partner’s fears, a friend’s excitement, or even your own inner voice.

The difference is profound: instead of simply reacting, you start connecting.

When we listen this way, we become less isolated, more compassionate, and surprisingly, we learn more about ourselves, too. This shift doesn’t just enhance our personal relationships; it can also transform our work as leaders, colleagues, and mentors.

It’s the difference between talking at someone and truly understanding what’s going on beneath the surface.

So here’s my challenge for you this week: in your next conversation—whether at the dinner table, in a meeting, or even with yourself—try this kind of listening. (Here's my shameless plug to listen to this week's episode to learn more about it!)

Take a deep breath, drop into the moment, and let go of any urge to respond immediately. Instead, let yourself be curious about what the other person (or your own inner voice) is saying. You might be surprised at what you hear.

Here’s to listening with intention and transforming our connections, one conversation at a time.

Kelly Berry ​Strategic Leader, Coach and Podcaster ​https://www.kellyberry.info/​ ​​​​​

P.S. Another shameless plug:) Looking for thoughtful Christmas gifts? I think a Life Intended Journal would make a great gift to all of those in your life who could use some reflection, mindfulness and alignment. They will thank you for it long after the holidays!

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THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:

​The Key to True Connection: Practical Steps for Becoming a Better Listener with Dr. Randall Alifano​

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

In this episode of Life Intended, I talk with Dr. Randall Alifano, a clinical psychologist and ordained minister with over 40 years of experience integrating psychology and spirituality. Dr. Alifano shares his insights on the profound impact of listening on personal growth, relationships, and human connection. Drawing from his book, Listening in the Raw: Coming Home to Receptivity, he explains how filters, formed through life experiences, hinder genuine communication and leave us feeling isolated. He offers practical guidance to identify and release these filters, embrace vulnerability, and reconnect with our inner wisdom. This conversation will leave you reflecting on your own listening habits and inspire you to cultivate deeper connections in your life.

Takeaways:

• Listening with curiosity transforms relationships and fosters authentic connection.
• Identify and release emotional filters to improve communication and self-awareness.
• Vulnerability is key to experiencing deeper relationships and personal growth.
• Reconnecting with your innocence can guide you to what truly matters in life.

Links:

• ​Dr. Randall Alifano's Official Website​
• ​Follow Dr. Alifano on Instagram​
• ​Connect on LinkedIn​
• ​Purchase Listening in the Raw​

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What I'm loving:

Each week, in this section, I'll add links to things I'm listening to, reading, cooking, wearing and more - the things I'm loving right now!

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📚 What I'm reading: I just had an idea and wanted to see what you all think - would you be interested in joining a Life Intended book club?? I could choose a book - maybe once a month or every 2 months focused on mindset/mental health and we could read it and discuss virtually with like-minded people. If you're interested, let me know here! And if you have a friend who would love this, send it to them too!

🎧 What I'm listening to: 5 Steps to Healing Self-Worth - Self-Worth is such a deep and interesting topic to me. It's one we just worked on in the Women's Circle I co-facilitate and one I'm bringing on a returning guest to talk more in-depth about soon. I believe that exploring this topic and becoming more aware of how we view our own self-worth is a key to making so much progress in all areas of our lives. Stay tuned for more!

❤️ What I'm loving: My new partnerships! I have another one that I'm so, so excited about! ATTITUDE - the best products that you can trust! I found ATTITUDE when I was pregnant and obsessed with only using the cleanest products. Fast forward to now and I use everything they have - from laundry detergent to toothpaste. If you are looking to make some changes to your life to improve your health, I highly recommend beginning to make some swaps. You can save 15% with my link and an additional 10% throughout this entire month for their Black Friday offer!

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Have a great rest of your week and see you back here soon!

​

Kelly

Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
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