Wednesday Real Talk

What Do People Experience When They Meet You?

Have you ever stopped to think about what people experience when they meet you?

Not what you hope they think.

Not what you want them to see.

But what they actually experience in your presence.

Do they feel welcomed?

Do they feel respected?

Do they feel heard?

Do they leave your conversation feeling encouraged… or discouraged?

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that our presence matters. We may not remember every conversation we’ve had, but people often remember how we made them feel.

When I worked in patient care, and even now while answering phones at Swedish, I remind myself that every person I speak with is carrying something I cannot see. They may be worried about a diagnosis, caring for a loved one, grieving, or simply having a difficult day.

I can’t solve every problem.

But I can choose how I show up.

A smile.

A kind voice.

Patience.

Respect.

Compassion.

Sometimes that’s enough to make someone’s day a little lighter.

I believe our legacy isn’t only found in the big accomplishments of life. It’s also found in the everyday moments—in how we treat the cashier, the coworker, the neighbor, the stranger, and the people we love the most.

One of my favorite reminders comes from Maya Angelou, whose words have touched generations:

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Those words challenge me to be intentional about the experience I leave with others.

So today, I leave you with one question…

What do people experience when they meet you?

If the answer isn’t what you want it to be…

The beautiful thing is, every new day gives us another opportunity to change someone’s experience for the better.

Blessings,
Lady Flava 🌻