I was reading a recent entry in my gratitude journal about being made to feel welcome. I had recently traveled out of country to be with a dear friend.   One of the family’s planned activities during the week of my stay included a post-holiday celebration with their friends and family.

Their celebration was a small and intimate gathering— just three couples and their respective children. Aside from my dear friend (and her family), I had only met the other couples once or twice in the decade since my friends had relocated, and it had been several years since my last visit.

I WAS WELCOME. It was made clear to me that they were glad I joined their fete. And let me confess: it meant SO much to be welcomed and included. Hugs of genuine warmth and welcome were shared when we arrived. It was a lovely afternoon of conversation and camaraderie and I never felt excluded or maligned,

How you stopped to consider the value and significance in being made to feel welcome? It is often most genuine in the small gestures, yet it carries so much weight.  A smile, a warm greeting, and inclusion in conversation all signify welcome. Body language, too, plays an enormous role in making someone feel welcome.

Over the next few days, I invite you to be mindful about being welcoming. Reflect on what others do to make you feel welcome and included, and then practice the same (as appropriate). Begin with a kind smile and a warm acknowledgment. Put this effort into play anytime and anyplace possible. (Elevators, standing in line, church, sporting events, everywhere!) Don’t place limits on where you make people feel welcome. Spread kindness and community, and let me know how it goes in the comments!