Good morning, happy Tuesday – April 29, 2025 in the Year of the ZAO: Day 119.

Today's reflection is about what happens when we stop guarding our ego like it’s Fort Knox and actually listen first.
Not just nod along — but genuinely listen to the other person’s side, without plotting a counterattack in our heads while they’re still talking.

It’s wild how hardwired we are to defend our own stance without considering that the person across from us feels just as strongly about theirs. The moment we flip the script — seek first to understand rather than to win — everything shifts.
You’re not just defusing arguments. You’re opening doors.
You're saying, without words: "Your experience matters too."

Funny thing is, it doesn't weaken you. It energizes you.
It expands you.
It shows the people around you that respect isn't conditional on agreement. And if you’re lucky, it invites them to offer you that same respect in return.

Even if they don’t, you’re still walking away lighter — no defensive armor dragging behind you. No energy spent spinning your wheels in a battle nobody wins.

Today’s reminder for all of us:
👉 Listen not to respond. Listen to understand.
👉 You don't lose yourself by giving someone else the space to be heard.

Catch you tomorrow,
BetterCallZaal on behalf of the ZAO Team