Checking In

This past weekend was filled with the high of highs and the low of lows. A birth and a death.

Through good times and bad, my loved ones are great at checking in. They’ll often ask:

Are you OK?

I am lucky that way. No matter how many times I am knocked down, someone will ask me if I’m OK. They are sending a clear message:

I see you.

You matter to me.

You don’t have to carry this alone.

It’s a connection with an invitation. 

An invitation to say: Actually… no. I’m not OK.

An invitation to say: Ouch! This is where it hurts.

An invitation to say: I am glad to know you care.

These connections are essential for well-being and navigating the cycles of birth and death. 

Throughout our lives, we are given opportunities to stand in brave places – to step into conflict, to take risks, to fight for others knowing it will cost us. 

We worry. We try to direct traffic. We try to help in the ways we know how. We watch people get knocked down, and we ask:

Are you OK?

Three powerful words that create connection – and hopefully revolutionary change. 

Too many people are not OK. Too many are hiding in fear and isolation. Too many need someone to stand up for them. And too many are facing death at a time meant to celebrate birth.

Connection is healing. We must all check in, stand up, and send a clear message:

I see you.

You matter to me.

You don’t have to carry this alone.

Connection is healing. Check in with the people you love. Check in with the people who need love. Check in with the strangers on the street.

Until our last breath, let’s keep checking in with each other and asking:

Are you OK?

And then, let’s create a world where we are all given the time to hear the answer.