Including Others

During my sister’s wedding this weekend there was tons of dancing, singing, and laughing. Beautiful moments were plentiful, including this one moment on the dance floor.

Many of sister’s friends, my now Brother-in-Law’s friends, and both families were lighting it up on the dance floor. One of my little cousins was watching us and shyly dancing outside the cirlce that just formed. She was literally on the outside looking in. One of my brother-in-law’s friends noticed this, and started dancing with her, bringing her to the middle of the dance circle, everyone laughing and cheering the both of them. He would even crouch down and dance so that they were the same height. Our little cousin had a huge smile on her face throughout. It was a small gesture for him but I’m sure it made the night for her.

Making others feel welcomed and included is low effort especially for insiders, but it can mean a lot to the other person. I know because I’ve been there. For years, I was my little cousin, looking from the outside in. Every once in awhile, someone see me, and brings me in. I remember every person that did that for me. And I try to pay it forward and include others as much as I can too.

August 30, 2022


Previous:Non-Technologist, Non-Writer
Next:Patrick Beverly on Finding Your Niche