WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS…  It would be accurate to say that I have been a “gym rat” on and off since the late 90’s.  Accordingly, per my fairly typical routine, I got out of bed and drug my butt into the gym this morning to throw around some weights.  As you all are aware, the gym is a great way to keep physically and mentally healthy because of the ability to strengthen the body and release hormones that help reduce anxiety and stress…and I highly encourage everyone to exercise routinely…especially if you have a high stress job; but today I received a different kind of benefit that I often overlook.  Today I received the “warm fuzzy” from knowing that I was able to encourage and lift the spirits of a complete stranger.  I didn’t do anything special other than take the time to visit and share some insight and wisdom on a topic that this person was struggling with and, in return, I was rewarded with the opportunity to be genuinely thanked for my time and probably made a new friend.  This small interaction got me thinking:  It’s amazing how good it feels to rise because we were able to lift someone else up.

In today’s world where it seems that most relationships are based upon superficial communications through electronics, coupled with the accompanying demand for immediate attention and instant gratification in ways that most of us have obtained through learned behavior over the years, it’s important to stop and be remember to be human!  I mean REALLY human.  We all have the same basic needs.  We all have struggles that are often hidden.  It’s important to remember how to, and practice often, the seemingly lost art of actual, genuine, human interaction.  Take time to listen to someone, in person, and, if you are able, provide meaningful feedback.  The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because it is something you can never get back…and the greatest return is the feeling you receive from actually “being there” for someone which is a gift that no one can take away from you.

So in other words … #BEMOREHUMAN.  Practice this in your personal life with those you care about.  Practice this in your business life with the relationships that you value.  What you give out will come back to you so make it amazingly meaningful.