One of the quotes that has stuck with me throughout my life is from Maya Angelou:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

This could not be more true. The mark we leave on every soul we interact with will be because of how we made them feel... Think about it, the people who have had the greatest impact on you were so important to you because of the presence they carried with them. We either make others feel welcome or unwanted. We make them feel loved or unnoticed. We make them feel worthy or unworthy.

Establishing the Heart

So how do we make others feel cared about and special?... We first have to think about how we like to feel around others. This is a different way of thinking than we sometimes tend to exercise, because instead of focusing on the actions of others toward us, we are focusing on how they are received. Ask yourself, "How do I want to feel around people? How do those I love being around make me feel?" Personally, my favorite souls to be around have made me feel:

• Loved

• Important

• Included

• Welcome

• Understood

• Peaceful

• Free (to be myself and express who I am)

• Inspired

... And this is how I want to make others feel. The answers to these questions may vary from person to person, but they will most likely all be relatively similar.

Once we understand what we want to make others feel in our presence, we need to make sure our heart toward others is in the right place. If we are holding onto judgement, unforgiveness, resentment, or anything else that is not of the Father, we will not be able to make others feel the opposite. If it's not genuine, they'll doubtfully feel as if it is. Sometimes we don't even realize the ill-feelings or judgement we harbor toward people... It's just our human nature, so we really have to tap into the Holy Spirit and pray for guidance on letting the things of the flesh go. And it takes time, focus, and lots of prayer.

Ways to Show You Care

Now that we've established the correct heart posture, how can we show what's in our hearts? Honestly, your heart will always shine through, no matter where you are, who you're with, or what you're doing. It's who you are. But, there are a couple things that will help you really show your true intent to others and make them feel how you want them to.

Listen. This is, in my opinion, the most powerful form of showing others you care and making them feel welcome, included, and understood. People need someone to talk to, whether it be about things they're struggling with, things they're excited about, or just really random things. We all want to be heard... And taking the time to give someone your undivided attention is so truly valuable.

Ask opinions and input. This is another thing that makes people know you care. It's something I like to do especially with younger people... I remember loving to hang out with older girls who made me feel like a part of their group and like I mattered just as much as any of them, even though I was much younger. This is how I want to make everyone feel, young and old. If you're discussing something, take a minute to ask the other person what they think. For example, "Do you like this sticker or that one?" "Is the pink or yellow your favorite?" Wanting to know someone's input is a treasure to them.

Explain things others may not understand. I love learning new things I didn't know before, and it makes someone feel so special when you take the time to explain things to them. For example, if you had a skill or hobby that someone didn't know anything about, take the time to tell them a little bit. Show them how you do it, the supplies you need, define terms they may not understand. This makes someone feel worthy and included to know that you value them enough to want them to know what you know.

These are just a few things we can do to make people feel how we want them to. Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are, and making them feel that is so powerful.

Love,

Nola:)