I Don’t Take Connections for Granted

I believe in acknowledging people.

Now, let me be clear—I will complain when something does not make sense. I will speak up when something is disorganized, unfair, or needs to be handled differently. That is simply who I am.

But I am just as intentional about acknowledging people when they do something right.

Last Friday and again on Tuesday, members of my doctor’s team took wonderful care of me. They were kind, patient, attentive, and made me feel like I mattered.

So this morning, I sent them a message thanking them for the great care I received during both appointments. I also let them know that my hip pain was much less after yesterday’s injections.

It was important to me that they heard the good news.

People working in healthcare receive plenty of complaints. They hear when appointments run late, when telephone calls are not returned quickly enough, when scheduling becomes frustrating, or when someone is unhappy with their care.

But how often do we stop and tell them when they made a difference?

I wanted this team to know that I noticed how they cared for me—and that their care mattered.

I have also been blessed to build meaningful connections with people throughout my workplace. Because I work within the same healthcare system where I receive much of my care, I understand how to navigate certain processes. I know who to ask, where to send a question, and which people may be able to point me in the right direction.

Today, I learned that my physical therapy referral had been approved. I reached out to someone I already knew, and they were willing to help me reconnect with my previous therapist.

I recognize the blessing in that.

But I do not take those connections for granted.

I do not believe a connection is something you keep in your pocket until you need a favor. Genuine connections are built over time. They grow when we support one another, exchange knowledge, express appreciation, and make people feel seen.

It is give-and-take.

You cannot only appear when you need something. You must also be willing to show up, acknowledge what others contribute, and let them know their presence has value.

Some of the same people are acknowledged repeatedly in workplaces, families, and communities. Their recognition may be deserved, but there are also quieter people doing meaningful things every day.

I try to notice them too.

The person who answered the question.

The person who treated me with dignity.

The person who made a difficult day easier.

The person who helped without making a big production out of it.

I want people to know that I see them.

Today reminded me that when appreciation is genuine, it often finds its way back to you. I sent gratitude outward, and the warmth I received in return touched my heart.

A connection is not something to use.

It is something to value, nurture, and never take for granted.

That is today’s Taste of Flava.

From Flava in Her Tower 🌻