Value Each Connection
One of the best principles of living is to treat everyone with respect regardless of who they are, what they look like, or if they are in a position subordinate to you. No one is of lesser or greater value than you.
To illustrate, my boyfriend and I stayed in a hotel recently. The housekeeping staff member came to clean our room, but we were still preparing for the evening, so we asked the young man how he was doing and what his plans were for the weekend while we were getting ready. He seemed grateful for our conversation, but I knew he was touched when he left us this note:
He actually gave us extra coffee, shampoo, conditioner, and towels. Obviously, our reaching out meant something to him. Small gestures can make a difference.
Similarly, my aunt told me how the free sample stations at Costco are always insanely busy where she lives. One day, my aunt asked the woman working at the stand how she was doing. The woman looked up and said to my aunt, "You are the first person who has talked to me in two days." How sad, right? Use your presence and reach out to people.
The other night I had a patient who needed assistance throughout the night. I enjoyed caring for her and did my best to give her my full patience and presence as if I had nothing else to do except be there for her (even though I was busy). She ended up thanking me for taking such great care of her. Lo and behold, we discovered that we had several mutual friends. Her reciprocation of kind words meant a lot to me, but I was even happier that I gave her my best when I found out we knew a lot of the same people. You never know who you will meet or who you will cross paths with.
Give Fully and Freely
Each time you interact with someone today try your best to be truly present--to maintain eye contact, to listen to what the person is truly saying (not what you think you hear), and to give them the gift of your presence through your attention and time. People want to be heard, understood, and valued. By taking a moment to pause your busy life and listen to someone while emitting the mental energy of, "How can I be here for YOU today?" you ignite a positive chain reaction. What goes around comes around, but strive to live this with no expectation of return.
Finally, here is one of my favorite quotes. It fits perfectly and kudos to my boyfriend's dad for it sharing it with me.
xo, -T
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