When You Take Time to See People

Yesterday, I walked by my boss’s office and noticed something I almost missed.

She was sitting at her desk crying.  I paused, walked in, and gently asked what was happening. She shared how overwhelmed she felt—the weight of responsibility, the pressure of leadership, and the discouragement of employees not following through.

In that moment, I didn’t have solutions. I didn’t try to fix anything. I simply gave her a hug and told her how much I appreciated her leadership. 

Seeing Beyond the Role

So often, we see people only by their title—boss, manager, leader, supervisor. We forget that behind the role is a human being who carries stress, disappointment, and responsibility long after the workday ends.

That day, I made a quiet decision to see her, not just her position.

Throughout the rest of the day, I mentioned to other employees how important it is to occasionally tell our boss something positive—how much we appreciate her leadership or something specific she does well. Not flattery. Just truth spoken out loud.

The Power of Shared Love

The next day, my boss came to me and said something I will never forget.

She told me what a difference it made in her life that I saw her and expressed appreciation—especially on a day when she was struggling.

One moment.
One hug.
One honest sentence.

It reminded me how powerful it is to share love through encouragement, especially when people feel unseen or unappreciated.

Serving Our Neighbors Starts Close to Home

Sometimes we think serving others requires a big plan, a program, or a position.

But often, serving our neighbors looks like:

• Noticing tears behind a closed door
• Speaking encouragement instead of staying silent
• Choosing kindness when it would be easier to walk by

We don’t always know the battles others are carrying—but we can choose to be people who notice.

Thrive on Purpose Takeaway

When we:

• See People for who they are, not just what they do
• Share Love through simple words and presence
• Serve Neighbors right where we are

We create moments that change lives—sometimes without even realizing it.

You never know how much your kindness might matter on someone’s hardest day.

Let’s be people who take the time to see.

Who in your life needs encouragement today?

A leader.
A coworker.
A neighbor.

Don’t wait. Say it out loud.

See People. Share Love. Serve Neighbors.

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