Healthy Communication

by Linda Andrews

Miscommunication often starts before words are ever spoken. If you are not attuned to yourself, your feelings and your needs, how can you expect to communicate them clearly to someone else?

The first step in healthy communication is tuning in. Simple practices like meditation, breathing, journaling, or even placing your fingers on your pulse to get present can help you ask, How am I feeling right now?

Step 1: Feel

Check in with yourself. Name your feelings. Awareness is the foundation of clarity.

Step 2: Need

Ask yourself what you need in this moment. Sometimes it is something you can do for yourself, like taking a break, drinking water, or stepping outside. Other times it may require support from someone else.

Step 3: Speak

If you need something from yourself, do it. If you need something from someone else, communicate it directly and with personal responsibility.

For example:

• “John, I am exhausted. Can you cook dinner tonight?”

• “Mary, I need some help. Can you do my laundry?”

If the other person cannot meet your request, that is okay. Sometimes the simple act of expressing yourself is enough to feel heard and acknowledged. And when communication is clear, alternative solutions often appear.

The Core Principle

Healthy communication is about more than getting needs met. It is about creating clarity, connection, and respect. When you take time to feel, identify your need, and speak directly, you move from frustration to freedom.

Clarity in communication begins with clarity within yourself.

Start the 22-Day Reset to practice tuning in daily so you can speak your truth with confidence and connection.