Although it should happen all the time, during the holidays, it is more common. We show the people we love that they matter. But this Christmas season is like no other. Many things that we take for granted our entire lives are now challenging, scarce, or even non-existent. One of them is traveling to see our family. Despite the health situation, you can still travel following the appropriate precautions. Some people will choose not to travel to avoid health complications to their loved ones. But this does not mean that we have to be isolated or not have meaningful communication with the people we love and appreciate.
Feeling connected
Many people have a hard time feeling connected. It happens with our family, friends, and the workplace. The continuous improvement tenet of servant leadership is a universal concept that does not have to live inside a workplace. It can and should be how we express kindness and respect everywhere.
The following are different ways we can check-in with our family, friends, and colleagues to make them feel connected, and seen.
Show they matter, be present
One of the best ways to show people they matter is to be present. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to visit and spend face to face time with your love ones, be mindful of that privilege. Do now wasted spending time on your phone browsing through social media. But if you won’t spend face to face time, you can plan for virtual events or a phone call.
Sometimes we don’t reach out to people only because they haven’t reach out to us in a while. Many things happen in life, we don’t know the reasons why this happened, but if you care about this person, it does not care. Take the phone, call or send a text, or a message through any of the available messaging systems. Or why not? a written note. Send a postal card, or an old fashion letter. If this is too old for you, then an email, but reach out.
Acknowledge their feelings
Every year, we have around us people that is not too happy around this period. Most of the time happen because they lose a loved one, or a job. This year this situation is amplified by all the fallouts from the pandemic. Gatherings of all type may have a different taste, but it is important to acknowledge the feelings, and the fact that this too will pass. Hope and laughter are great things to share. And while you are in that mood, acknowledge your feelings too! It is ok to be feeling sad, missing the celebrations as we know them, and craving for human contact.
Seize small opportunities to connect
You don’t need a party to initiate a conversation with someone you haven’t see in a while. Do not miss the chance to use a Facebook birthday reminder or a LinkedIn work anniversary to connect. Sometimes a simple hello, I was thinking about you goes a long way.
Give the gift of giving, show they matter
Create the right environment to keep a connection with the people around you. Help those in need any way you can. For example, motivate those who feel sad to enjoy life and keep fighting the good fight. Show people you care, share what you have, be a good neighbor, friend, colleague, leader, and family member. During the holidays and all year long, the best gift is the gift of giving. It makes you feel good, and it makes the other person feel connected and loved.