Pretty big topic!  Relationships is defined as the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.  Reading this I would venture to guess you didn’t well up with any kind of emotion – positive or negative.  But you sit with the word, you conjure the different ways this word works in your life, the images of people and things you have relationships with and my guess is you will “feel” lots of emotions depending on the who or what that thought is related to.  A good relationship is more than something we want—it’s something we need to be our happiest, healthiest, most productive selves. But at home or work, supportive, fulfilling relationships don’t come automatically. They take an investment in time and energy as well as social skills that can be learned.

Today is a big day for our country.  Every four years we see a peaceful change of power.  We see our democracy in action and we witness not only how others deal with these changes but how we ourselves feel and deal with them.  Today, there are some people in our country who are protesting.  There are others who are sitting in rooms quietly weeping.  And still others, who are feeling grateful and thankful that there may be something better in our country’s future.  I am not going to get into my politics here but just focus on where relationship fits in to this picture of not only our nation but our lives.

To me, relationships are my most valuable possession.  I was created specifically for one very special relationship, the one with my God.  There is a connection a cord that binds each of us that is unique.  My personal relationship with Jesus is as unique as I am and when I am slaying my dragons, or being tempted to sin or when I feel that my trials are more than I can handle, I must trust in the faith of that relationship and know that He will show up and I will experience the comforting presence of His word in my life and heart.

My prayer today is that all of us, no matter what we believe will remember that we are connected and to treat each other with kindness and compassion.  Let’s search for something in common and hold on to that.  Make a sincere effort that goes beyond our differences to find a connection.  I am going to make a conscious effort to wake up each morning with the mission to spread love and kindness to all those I meet.  I hope you will join me.

Make it your daily mantra to find ways to Spread Love and Connect to everyone you meet during the day. ~Tejal Patel of Astitva Seekers

Here is a quick list of just a few things that came up when I thought about relationships and connections.

1.  Remember what your mother taught you.  When someone is providing you a service or is helping you, don’t forget your manners. Make sure you are giving them your undivided attention at   that moment, actively listen and remember those please and thank you!
2.  Look people in the eye when you are speaking to them. You may realize how many of us feel uncomfortable looking others in the eyes.  We need to stop dehumanizing people and take a moment to look them in the eyes when interacting with them.  The eyes are the windows of the soul. It is hard to judge someone based on external factors like their job and how they look if we are focusing on their eyes and the radiance and life that shines through. We can connect to people on a whole new level when we appreciate that we are all equal not superior or inferior to anyone.
3. If you appreciate someone’s service or kindness, make it your intention to tell them. If your server did a remarkable job give them a good tip AND tell their manager. So many times we take for granted when someone does something nice for us or they go above and beyond what they should do. Go beyond the “Thank You” and really express how their actions made you feel. Knowing you made an impression on someone makes that person want to continue to be kind. By you acknowledging their positive qualities you’ll feel amazing and want to be a better person as well. It will begin a circle of kindness and spreading love!
4. If someone gives you bad service, don’t react with negativity. Stay calm.  We don’t know what’s happening in others life for them to react the way they do. Don’t take the rudeness of others personally. Their actions has everything to do with their own unhappiness which they are projecting to others. There were days that you weren’t having the best day and might have treated people poorly. Don’t justify your poor behavior based on how someone else reacts. The most difficult people need the most kindness to break their pain. Be compassionate to someone who you don’t think deserves it. Not only will you help them, your peace of mind and compassion grows with each kind act.
5. Learn to say “hi” and smile at strangers. You would be surprised how much it warms your heart to receive a kind smile from an unknown person. It’s almost as good as getting attention from the person you have a crush on. You feel connected and one with them at that moment. You share that moment with someone you don’t know.

So as Americans today I greet you with a warm smile, an outstretched hand or arms to hug and am grateful we are all alive today to be able to wake up,  Breathe in and live each moment as our best selves.