More Meaningful Conversations

“Hi, how’s it going?”

“Pretty good, how are you?”

“It’s going ok. Can you believe all that construction on 49?”

“Ugh, it’s so frustrating! I was late for my appointment yesterday because I forgot it’s been narrowed down to one lane!”

“Yeah, I feel like it never ends.”

“Well, stay cool out there!”

“You too! This heat wave has been grueling. See you later!”

I've had countless versions of the conversation above. Whether it’s in the checkout line, with a neighbor while I’m out walking, at a community event, or at a birthday party... small talk can feel intimidating and often revolves around negativity and complaining. I don’t mean for it to, but it frequently seems to drift in that direction.

I’ve been contemplating the often-overlooked potential of our daily conversations to positively shape perspectives and leave people better than we found them. As with anything potentially transformative, elevating my conversations requires some reflection and intentionality:

What is my aim for today’s interactions?

To listen and learn. To uplift and encourage.

What conversational ruts do I want to avoid?

Mindless complaining. Gossiping. Lecturing.

What are some energizing conversation starters I can keep in my back pocket to pull out as needed?

What have you been doing for fun lately?

What personal projects are you working on?

Have you heard anything inspiring recently?

What are you looking forward to this week?

Do you have any good books or podcasts to recommend?

What do you love about living here?

What do you appreciate about this current season of your life?

What topics do you find fascinating?

Lately, I’ve been creating themes for our weekly FWL Membership Open Chats by posting discussion questions to our WhatsApp group ahead of time. This way, participants can arrive prepared to have purposeful conversations. 

Last Tuesday, I asked everyone to share a scripture verse, book passage, poem, podcast, etc. that had either challenged or comforted them that week, and they delivered! Light poured from their hearts and lips, bringing hope and an eternal perspective to everyone on that Zoom call! 

I want more of that! I need more of that! Uplifting conversations release feel-good hormones (oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins) and reduce stress, all while strengthening positive thought patterns.

I am challenging myself to include preparing for conversations and interactions as part of my morning stillness routine. Would you like to join me? Practice makes better, so setting your intention at the start of each day to attentively listen and foster meaningful dialogue at home, work, church, and elsewhere will train your brain to replace default negative speech with words rooted in gratitude, faith, and resilience. 

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

-Ephesians 4:29