In 2010, I.M. presents you with a challenge. Let’s be brave enough to reach out and care about other people. Let’s get out of the “it’s all about me and everyone wants to hear how important I am” mode of operation. Instead, let’s ask about others and really listen to what they might have to say. We might find we can make some fascinating new friends. It is also possible that we might make a significant difference in someone else’s life simply by caring about them.
Recently a friend of mine was invited to join a civic organization. He attended a few meetings and decided to join. However, at the initiation ceremony, the members were gathered and as he walked in he was greeted by his sponsor. As he walked further into the room, nobody stopped to welcome him or even speak. After a while, he decided to take the initiative and introduce himself and say, “So tell me about you.” He repeated this several times as he made his way through the room. Each time the person talked about themselves and never once asked about him. Some even went on and on and on – and still did not seek to find out something about their new member. How do you feel about this? If you were the new member, what would you think about the organization?
We have all been in situations where it is all about the other person. It is as if they think they are so fascinating that you want to learn every detail about their life. They tell stories about their past, but aren’t interested in learning about you. If you have experienced this, you want to scream, “What about me?” When this happens enough times, you just want to avoid the person. I.M. has talked to several people who are scratching their heads and trying to understand this strange phenomenon in our culture.
People are important. Whether we like it or not, we are all in the people business. Relationships are the key to our success and happiness. When we meet new people it is important to find some common ground – something we can share. As relationships mature, it is important to be courageous and caring enough to really communicate with the other person. So many times there are misunderstandings, and if we can only talk about them, they can be resolved. I.M. has some friendships in which there is real conversation – and that is such a breath of fresh air – as opposed to all the hot air that blows around. As we reach out, we gather more real friends. In 2010, reach out and gather more real friends! May your motto be: I lift you up and bring love into your life, and I also lift up myself! The more I give, the more I receive and the richer is everyone’s life!