The Power of "Checking In"

Let me first start by saying, check-ins are SO important.

This life is crazy. We are all running at the speed of light and on an empty tank, trying to be parents, trying to do our jobs to the best of our ability, trying to be a good friend, a good wife, a good mom, a good dad, the best daughter. We are all fighting a battle people know nothing about. Whether it's something as small as a sore throat with a lonely day or something as large as battling a lifelong or terminal disease - the point is - life isn't easy and a check in can literally change someones outlook on their day.

Think back to a time you were going through all the things. I want you to close your eyes and envision a struggle you've recently had. Whether it was something as small as "I can't find my keys and I'm running late," or something as big and impactful as a loss.

We as human beings, tend to revert and close down. I don't know many people that are willingly screaming from the rooftops how awful their day was, or how terribly things are going. Do you? If you do know these people - major kudos to them for feeling comfortable enough to share! Life is heavy sometimes.

Now visualize this. How amazing does it feel when you haven't heard from someone you were once close with, reach out with a simple text message or even an email "Hey! I was thinking about you, How have you been?"

I don't know about you - but something as small and as simple as a quick "How are you doing" goes a long way and let me tell you why. It causes us to pause. It allows us to reflect. And most importantly - most of us don't even have time in today's world to even check in with ourselves; Therefore, we fall short of checking with others. If you could check in with someone daily, that is NOT your spouse or significant other - who would you reach out to? Would it be your parents? A long-lost friend from high school? Maybe even an old teacher or a priest that had, at some point, made a huge impact on your life?

How many times do we scroll through social media on a daily basis and see photos of "fun" or exciting events because that's what we all love to share. It makes us feel good. It makes us feel loved in a way because that's how we share things worldwide and without picking up the phone like we did back in the 80's.

Well, I'm here to stress the importance of checking in. I can't tell you how many friends of mine I haven't seen in YEARS, that I check in with on a weekly basis. Not because I'm bored at my desk, not because work is slow or I'm feeling lonely. Because it matters and I know I can change someone's day! Hell, it can change someone's life.

I have friends in Kansas City whom I love so dearly and cherish our relationship with all of my heart & soul, it makes me speechless. We always joke about how our timing is impeccable with our life events. We both have busy families. We both work full time, have crazy schedules, kids, etc. Somehow, the universe always has a funny way of speaking to me. Generally it's a soft reminder of "You know what? You need to check in with these friends. It has been a week or 2 and I haven't heard from them." I mean, life gets BUSY and we are all just trying to manage each day, right? Sure, I can log on to social media - search their name, find their page, peep their photos and events that have occurred within the last 10-14 days. Where is the passion in that?! We are all so strapped for time - scrolling social media takes LONGER than doing a simple check in.

I have always had a strong passion to connect with people. Not just on a professional level - as I do admire that life in different ways. But I am one of the most personable and accepting people you will ever meet. I pride myself in building relationships. But you know what? Those relationships are nothing if you cannot maintain them and genuinely care. People know that. People FEEL that. If you can't take one full minute each day to reach out to those you care about, life will get away from you and those relationships dissolve. Don't let that happen.

I can't tell you how many lives I've changed by checking in with others. It totally seems like something so small and so silly but it's 100% true. I've received so many heartfelt messages over the past several years thanking me for always checking in and that fills my heart and my daily cup. I've received messages stating "You've always checked in with me. You were there for me during my deepest, darkest times and I can't thank you enough for that. I am here because of that." I DID THAT!! I changed someone's life because I checked in and I highly encourage you to do the same! Nobody is going to be upset for receiving a friendly "Hi! I've been thinking about you and just wanted to check in and see how you're doing!" I mean, what's the worst that can happen? No response? That's ok - you are staying true to you and know your worth. Or they may not respond right away but I can guarantee you have warmed someone's heart by checking in.

Like I said - there is power in checking in. It's an act of kindness. Something so small, something so simple yet we fall short in doing so.

Be the reason someone smiled today. Be the reason someone feels loved. Be the reason someone is able to "be" today. Who are you checking in with today?