When Brittney Griner was heading back to the United States after being a prisoner in Russia for 10 months, she boarded a U.S. government plane with Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

“I want to talk,” Griner told Carstens, according to an article in the December 12, 2022, issue of the Dallas Morning News.

But, first, Carstens reports, “She moved right past me and went to every member on that crew, looked them in the eyes, shook their hands and asked about them, got their names, making a personal connection with them. It was really amazing.”

Good for Griner! While I am rushing around getting ready for Christmas, I am going to remember Brittney’s example and take the time to make connections with people I encounter.

–Joy