Questions as advice
I once wrote about how instead of asking for advice, I ask for stories.
Well, I observed something recently within my inner circle that may be worth sharing. Whenever I discuss something I need advice on, most times, they ask me questions that light up the path for me to walk. Rather than peddling advice, they ask questions.
On a closer thought, this isn't something recent. This was my dad's way of getting me unstuck since I was a child. Asking questions to help me clarify my thinking. Often, I uncover what needs to be done on my own, but the honest and open questions were helpful.
Those questions helped me pierce through layers of clutter.
The second best thing is being able to ask those questions of yourself. Call them clarity questions. Call them whatever suits you. The simple nature of those questions can make it easier to take them for granted. But we can follow the paths opened by the questions, even when it's uncomfortable.
---
PS: I'll someday find the right words for this. Having someone you care about listen as you work through the questions often works. They don't have to agree with anything you say; they only need to listen with care and nudge you through an adjoining question.