
Inclusive…
‘an intention or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who are handicapped or learning-disabled, or racial and sexual minorities.’
Have you ever booked a holiday or a mini-break and been very aware of what’s included in the package? Well, I know anytime I’m lucky enough to plan a holiday, I pay a lot of attention to what’s included as part of the deal!
If I’m booking two nights away for example, I like to have breakfast included on both mornings and it’s a bonus if dinner on the first night is included at a nominal cost.
It’s also encouraging if access to a gym or leisure centre is included at no extra cost as part of the package deal, although any of you who know a little about me will have guessed I’ll probably admire the gym from afar and spend more time relaxing in the sauna than strutting my stuff in the pool! But even so, it’s probably fair to say that inclusivity is important to me!
And maybe that’s why inclusitivity is important in other areas of my life. I’m always aware at any meeting or event of the importance of reaching out and helping others feel included. Just like I did at my recent ICASSI in Bonn. You might like to read about my ICASSI experience here Perfectly Imperfect
I seem to have a radar that helps me spot people who are just a little outside their comfort zone and I enjoy helping them feel at ease.
Years ago, for example, I was involved in setting up a local women’s club and a young mother, a non-national joined us. Most people there made polite conversation with this newly settled person to our rural community but none made a point of actively including her. As a result I tried a little harder to include her and I enjoyed getting to know this lady and watching her settle in and make friends as time went on.
Maybe it’s because I find people fascinating, or maybe it’s because I grew up in a three generational home where my Nana also loved being around people and included me in her frequent visits to neighbours and friends in our locality.
Or maybe it’s because I best describe myself as an introverted extrovert…yes, if you didn’t already know it, you can be both!
So, I like my own company and quiet time but I love people, I love being around people, I love getting to know people and I love people feeling included and being inclusive. This is probably because I hate walking into a social situation on my own. I’ve had to push through that feeling at ICASSI recently (as you can read above) and it’s encouraging to have overcome that challenge. But knowing how it feels for an introvert to face a gathering… of more than one person!… is important, as it gives me insight into what it’s like for anyone who finds themselves on the fringes of any social situations. I know, like me, they probably find it a bit intimidating at first until they find their feet!
So next time you consider a hotel break or wonder what’s included in that all inclusive package deal, spare a thought for inclusitivity in other areas of your life and spread a little of your warmth and social inclusion further afield!
Thanks for your company and for including me in your day! In what ways do you like to be included? Have you ever felt excluded? How did it make you feel? Have you ever gone out of your way to include or exclude others?
Much love,
Marie xx
September 13, 2018 at 8:51 pm
I think all of us have been excluded at some time or another, although for some people it’s almost a daily thing. Still, I think that we can remember how it felt to be excluded, and use that as an incentive to make sure we go out of our way to include others. Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 15, 2018 at 10:07 pm
Hi Ann, I’m glad my post resonated with you, thanks for reading and commenting, yes sadly for some people it is an all too frequent occurance but you are right we can easily go out of our way to include others and it starts by just being aware and wanting to make a difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 16, 2018 at 11:21 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!… I try to include everyone, no labels or judgement… 🙂 as for me, to quote Popeye the sailor “I yam what I yam and that is all that I yam”… 🙂
As they say in the land of shamrocks and the Blarney Stone, “a wee bit more Irish for ya, darlin’ lass”.. 🙂
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 16, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Well whist begora!!.. but you now your stuff.
LikeLike
September 25, 2018 at 4:42 am
As Anne mentioned, I think we all have felt excluded at one time or another. For me, I’ve lived in non-English environments for most of my adult life so I know these feelings well. It has made me, hopefully, more attuned to those who stand outside the circle, to draw them in. I try to be intentional about this, but it’s always good to be reminded. Lovely post and thanks for that reminder! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 25, 2018 at 9:00 am
Hi Brenda, when I saw my stats and Hong Kong I just knew it was you popping in! That made me smile! I think it is important to feel excluded or outside the circle at some points as like you’ve said it makes you more attuned to being inclusive. You are always welcome here! X
LikeLiked by 1 person