#value relationships

Shaina Tranquilino

November 30, 2023

Life is a journey, and like any journey, it is meant to be shared with others. We often get caught up in the busyness of life that we forget about the people right next to us. We become so focused on our own goals, ambitions, and desires that we overlook the importance of human connection.

Think about it for a moment. When was the last time you truly engaged with the person standing beside you? When was the last time you stopped and listened to their story or asked them how they were doing? It's easy to get lost in our own world, but life is about more than just ourselves.

The people right next to us play an integral role in shaping who we are as individuals. They provide support, encouragement, and love when we need it most. They challenge us to grow and push beyond our limits. They celebrate our successes and offer a shoulder to lean on during difficult times.

It's not just about the big moments either; it's the small everyday interactions that matter too. The smile from a stranger on your morning commute can brighten your day. The kind words from a co-worker can make all the difference in how you approach your work. The laughter shared with friends over lunch brings joy into your life.

These connections have a profound impact on our overall well-being. Studies have shown that having strong social relationships leads to increased happiness and better mental health. When we invest time in building meaningful connections with those around us, we create a sense of belonging and purpose.

Life is also unpredictable, and sometimes it throws curveballs at us when we least expect it. In these moments of adversity, it's comforting to know that there are people right next to us who will stand by our side. They provide strength when ours falters, offering unwavering support through thick and thin.

So how do we prioritize the people right next to us? It starts with being present in the moment. Put down your phone, look up from your computer screen, and engage with those around you. Listen actively, without judgment or distraction. Show genuine interest in their lives, dreams, and struggles.

Additionally, be intentional about fostering relationships. Reach out to friends and family regularly, even if it's just a quick text or phone call. Plan activities together that allow for quality time and shared experiences. Invest in building connections that go beyond surface-level interactions.

Life is too short to go through it alone. We are social beings who thrive on connection and community. By recognizing the importance of the people right next to us, we can cultivate meaningful relationships that bring joy, fulfillment, and support into our lives.

Of all the things that I take for granted, I can be oblivious to those caring, special people that make up my circle. In my struggle yesterday there were dozens who reached out with a call, a text, an email or a question of concern. I was carried in their heart, head and prayers and could feel their support surrounding me. I pause in awe this morning. We certainly don’t get what we deserve because I rarely am a good friend. I can be so in my own head that I miss opportunities to reach out and support those who could use a kind word or an encouraging text. I pause and say a simple Thank You to everyone who carried me yesterday and have carried me in many yesterdays. I am remembering you all and will carry you through today and as many todays as I can.

Make Today Remarkable,

B

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made the last decision.The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score........The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none".The director asked,"Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.The director asked, "Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, " Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.That night , mother and son talked for a very long time.Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: "Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"The youth answered, "I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes."The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, I would not be successful today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of my family relationship.The Director said, "This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. What he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash the plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you don't have a money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.If you believe in this principle, try to forward this story to as many as possible. This may yet help put the future generation in a better mold...

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made the last decision.The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score........The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none".The director asked,"Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.The director asked, "Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, " Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.That night , mother and son talked for a very long time.Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: "Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"The youth answered, "I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes."The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, I would not be successful today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of my family relationship.The Director said, "This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. What he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash the plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you don't have a money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.If you believe in this principle, try to forward this story to as many as possible. This may yet help put the future generation in a better mold...