How often do we walk past someone and say “Hi, how are you?” without even waiting to hear how they respond. Did they look happy? Were they frowning? Do you take notice of the people you walk by each day, or are they just bodies, passing by? Do you make eye contact to everyone with whom you speak? What color tie did your co-worker wear today or did your other co-worker have a necklace on today?
If you are like most of us, you did not notice these things. More often than not we get so busy with our own life and responsibilities we don’t SEE people. How different would our lives be if we took the time to notice these seemingly little things and really SEE the people we encounter? And furthermore, make a connection with them? How would our own lives be enriched if others saw us, noticed something and commented?
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I have a dear friend who has a child with Downs Syndrome. Since I knew her years prior to her child’s birth, I knew she was going to be as amazing a mom to this child as she was to her other children. What I didn’t know is how hard she would have to struggle, not with her beautiful little girl, but in having her daughter be treated fairly; to be noticed for her accomplishments over her disability; to be seen for her worth. I believe most people with mental health illnesses also struggle with not being noticed for who they are beyond their disease.
Last weekend, in church, the message focused on “I C N U.” Translated as “I see in you.” While many complain about people, fewer share the good in others. To be able to share a positive with another, we first need to see them.
With the hope that we SEE and are SEEN, I challenge this week to put in place a new way of living…. Look people in the eye. See them. Make a connection. I believe you will find your life enriched by this simple change!
May your path find you seeing people and connecting!