HELLO– four letters with superpower!
November 21 is World Shear's Day, a day when we draw attention to the importance of seeing and affirming each other.
The challenge on this day is for all staff and students to say HELLO to at least 10 people to highlight the importance of us meeting and talking to each other to avoid division, conflict and war and to show that "I see you".
Even thin ties, the superficial relationships between people, are more important than you think, while the small everyday contacts in society have been reduced and replaced by technical solutions. Being recognized and seen makes you feel validated, which is especially important for the lonely, but also to contribute to a sense of coherence and security in everyone. The more thin ribbons there are in a neighborhood, the safer we feel.
A simple HELLO can mean so much to another person. It contributes to a feeling of being seen, it brings a smile to our faces, creates a sense of security, simply makes us feel better. We all have a need to be seen and heard and to belong to a social context. Today we can include others and perhaps contribute to less exclusion and loneliness and perhaps new opportunities and relationships. Say HELLO!