Letting the light shine in.
Here is one quote, one question and one idea to contemplate.
“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”
- Alan Alda
What if this holiday season, we approached our gatherings with fresh eyes and open hearts?
As the festive season approaches, many of us are preparing to reunite with friends and family. It's a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when we carry the weight of assumptions about those we're about to meet. These preconceptions, often formed over years of interactions, can unknowingly create barriers to genuine understanding and connection.
In my upcoming book, "Understood: The Greatest Human Need and the Key to Engagement," I explore how our environments—both external and internal—can hinder our ability to truly connect with others. The holiday season, with its bustling activities and long-held traditions, can amplify this challenge. We might find ourselves falling into familiar patterns, viewing our loved ones through lenses clouded by past experiences or expectations. But what if we could set aside these assumptions and engage with our friends and family in a new, more meaningful way?
Here are a few conversational prompts to get your creative juices flowing:
“I’d love to hear about what’s been happening for you this year.
What was a highlight for you in 2024?
What was one thing you did last year that you definitely want to do again in 2025?
What is one thing that you had hoped to do last year that you didn’t get to? How do you think you can make it happen next year?
What is one thing you learned in 2024 that you think will make a big difference for you in 2025?”
By approaching our holiday gatherings with curiosity and openness, we create space for others to feel truly seen. In doing so, we not only enrich our relationships but also give the invaluable gift of feeling understood.
Before we head into our holiday gatherings, let’s give our windows a scrub so we can let the light shine in.
Until next time,
Maria
P.S. If this has been helpful, then feel free to pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it too.
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