Sometimes we may get lazy with regard to the words we use or the conversations we engage in. We may take for granted relationships and callously converse. That is rarely a good idea as the words we use and the way we use those words matter.
I thought about that recently as I recognized that our extended family is changing due to loss, geography, careers, and new relationships. What was once daily exchanges or weekly gatherings has become a once or twice a month or year event, and what was once a smaller family unit has become a larger group due to marriages, births, and new friendships.
With all of this, there is the need to renew respect for one another and to think carefully about the words you use, the actions you forward, and the events you share--in a sense, we need to welcome one another with new eyes at each celebration and honor the new people we've become because of life's events, events both positive and not so positive.
To elevate conversation means making more time to listen, using worlds carefully, and bringing a spirit of openness and love to the dialogue. This sense of renewal and awakening brings a spirit of surprise, joy, and love to the holidays as we unveil our new selves to one another. This is promise that the holidays hold.
I thought about that recently as I recognized that our extended family is changing due to loss, geography, careers, and new relationships. What was once daily exchanges or weekly gatherings has become a once or twice a month or year event, and what was once a smaller family unit has become a larger group due to marriages, births, and new friendships.
With all of this, there is the need to renew respect for one another and to think carefully about the words you use, the actions you forward, and the events you share--in a sense, we need to welcome one another with new eyes at each celebration and honor the new people we've become because of life's events, events both positive and not so positive.
To elevate conversation means making more time to listen, using worlds carefully, and bringing a spirit of openness and love to the dialogue. This sense of renewal and awakening brings a spirit of surprise, joy, and love to the holidays as we unveil our new selves to one another. This is promise that the holidays hold.