Who Is Listening? and why that might Not be the Point | Response vs Release (9)
Every now and then, amidst a flurry of posts, conversations, and musings, I pause and wonder; who is actually listening?
We live in a world of digital amphitheatres. Thoughts are shared, reels are posted, opinions are floated. Some echo, some disappear into the ether and while we may not always admit it, there’s often an unspoken assumption that someone, somewhere is registering what we’ve said. Perhaps even forming a perception about us.
And yes, sometimes they are.
But here’s the question that’s become more interesting to me lately: even if they are listening… does it really matter in the way we think it does?
Cue The Truman Show.
Jim Carrey’s Truman is unknowingly the star of a 24/7 broadcast, with the world watching his every move. But the twist? Most of the viewers aren’t hanging onto his every word. They’re dipping in and out; Distracted, consuming rather than connecting. It’s theatre, not conversation.
That’s how a lot of spaces feel now ( Social and otherwise) . People hear what you say, but do they listen? And even when they do, their interpretation is shaped by their own filters; what mood they’re in, how their day’s going, whether they’ve had their coffee yet.
So when we share a thought, an idea, a bit of ourselves; how much of the impact we imagine is real, and how much is a narrative we’ve built because silence feels awkward?
I’ve come to realise something simple but freeing: sometimes, the person truly listening is the one speaking.
When I articulate a thought; whether in a post, a talk, or a coffee-fuelled ramble; it helps me refine my own thinking. It’s a chance to declutter the mind, process an emotion, find humour in a challenge, or make meaning out of a moment.
Sharing isn’t always about response. Sometimes it’s about release.
In a world addicted to metrics, reactions, and applause, there’s quiet power in putting something out there simply because it matters to you.
You don’t always need to be heard to find clarity.
You don’t always need validation to express something valuable.
And you certainly don’t need to perform to prove your presence.
If someone listens and finds resonance; great.
If not, it’s still served a purpose.
Because you listened, you showed up and you made space for your own voice.
And maybe that’s enough. Maybe that’s more than enough.
❤️ASB
