Three little words…

Are you OK?

You would think it is so simple…yet the question can be so profound. I recently read Meghan Markle’s opinion piece in The New York Times which really struck a cord with me…and had me stop…and think.

The phrase “How are you?” is so common and ubiquitous that one doesn’t even stop to listen to the response anymore…when have you ever heard anything besides ”I’m fine”

As Meghan points out in her essay, its been quite a year…not only has her family dealt with a sad tragedy but most of us have endured pain and heartache that is often silent.

There’s something about asking that question, “Are you OK”, that prompts an honest answer and hopefully encourages an open heart and a willing ear to listen.

I’m not quite sure when or why we started, but the Southern Man and I often check in with one another by asking “are you ok” or “is everything ok” - its a touchpoint to register how we are and what’s going on - and it helps to keep our relationship on track from day to day.

This holiday season promises to be unique in many ways…we will likely still be distant from friends and family, traditions may be altered, the presents under the tree may be few. But perhaps if we take the time to connect, to listen to what others have to say, to share our joy and our sorrow, that might be the best gift…

summed up in three little words… peace to all.