I grew up surrounded by people. In fact there were often so many people in my life that I was overwhelmed by it all. Now many decades later, I have a lifestyle that includes a wonderful amount of good people, and I'm thinking about how I can honor, acknowledge, and care for those people in meaningful, positive ways. I don't want to take people for granted. I wanted to appreciate the amazing goodness they bring to my life.
One way I like to honor the people I care about is to spend meaningful time with those people. As I think of the variety of people I know and love, I'm thinking about the great variety of interests they have, and when those interests are represented in the time we spend together, our time is fulfilling.
For example, some of my friends are great outdoor enthusiasts--they love to challenge themselves in natural settings. For those folks, mountain climbs, bike rides, and water adventures are a good match. Other friends love to think, analyze, and ponder life, and often a good cup of coffee and a warm, cozy place are the perfect get together times. Still more enjoy the theater, art, gardening, and travel. Finding the right activity is a positive challenge for meaningful times with those I care about.
Many in my life are very busy. They have many relatives and friends as well as colleagues and work/life commitments. Figuring out the best times to get together and respecting their life schedules also plays a role when it comes to spending time with these people. In some cases, the best we can do is regular letter exchanges or phone calls.
My friends represent varying economic conditions too. Some friends have lots of wealth and others have little. Price plays a role in get togethers and being sensitive to that as well as helpful if possible is important.
Keeping track of loved ones' special events and celebrations is important too. People like to be remembered, and people know you care when you ask about the special events in their lives. Further we honor those we love when we are there for them when they need us.
To honor those we love and care about is an endless proposition, and it's a proposition that provides a gateway to a fulfilling, positive life too. Onward.