It’s often the little things that make a huge difference in brightening up someone’s day. Each of us has the power to lift up someone’s spirits.
I always say that you never know what someone is going through on a daily basis. They could be navigating a myriad of issues from childcare to work issues to divorce or a painful breakup or maybe a sick parent. The pandemic has only added another layer of stress to the stresses we already had. Just checking in with loved ones and colleagues and asking how they’re doing can make a huge difference in their lives. It really doesn’t require a lot of effort on our part – a simple email, text, phone call or coffee date is all it takes.
You can really strengthen your personal and professional relationships with a few words especially during this time of social distancing. One of the most important things you can do is to listen intently to your friends, family and colleagues so you can later ask questions related to how they’re doing.
What words do you think those in your life need to hear more often?
Here’s a few to get you started.
- I was thinking about you
- Please
- Thank you for…
- I believe in you
- Just checking on you
- How was your day? Tell me about it.
- I’m always here for you
- Do you want to talk?
- I was worried about you
- I’m not going anywhere
- What can I do to help?
- Are you OK?
- How did X go?
- How can I help you?
- I miss you
- Your advice really helped me
- Or just send an emoji, Animoji or a meme. I have a few friends with whom I almost only exclusively speak in emoji or meme language (hi Julie and Jill) and they know exactly how to put a smile on my face.
It’s so easy in the daily hustle and bustle of each day, to forget to take the time to reach out to others in our lives. Going out of our way to check on those we care about is the right thing to do, so do it.