Today’s inspiration is from a classic quote I like to remember, especially during this time of year:

My tailor is the wisest man I know. He’s the only person who measures me every time I go in. — George Bernard Shaw

Most of us forget this courtesy. We tend to see people in the same light year in and year out, never suspecting the person has grown or matured.

We categorize people by our experiences with them, the choices they’ve made, and layer those experiences to create a concrete image that’s hard to change.

After all, labels save time. Plus, it’s hard work to reassess a person, especially if there is no pressing need. We have to stop long enough to take in new information, analyze it, compare it to our previous perspective, and then decide whether or not to apply it.

Ironically, the temptation to label people is perhaps greatest in the family, among the people we’ve lived with the longest and have the greatest opportunity to re-measure. Labels like, the “baby,” the “smart one,” the “competitive one,” the “shy one,” the “risk-taking one,” the “never-achieved-their-potential one,” —all are difficult roles to change.

But people do grow, change, and embrace new perspectives — even within our families.

No well-managed business ever operates within such a rigid structure that fails to be aware of changes in the marketplace. “Trending” is almost a national pastime now, where businesses engage in a perpetual “re-measuring” to ensure their products and services stay relevant.

Families are also in a business, the business of growing, maturing and figuring out how to stay “family” while adapting to changing life circumstances.

Holidays offer a prime time to re-measure. The evidence of change can be as simple as wish lists and gift reactions or as complex as trying to schedule a family dinner that takes into consideration each family member’s physical location, work schedule, significant others, travel plans and food preferences.

But as we sit on the cusp of the Thanksgiving season, maybe it’s worth the effort to re-measure. In fact:

Perhaps we could look across the table and consider our relationship with curiosity and heart.

We can be alert to what has changed in the last twelve months that may have prompted personal growth, a shift in thinking, or a new role.

Maybe, like the tailor, we wise up and re-measure as an ongoing courteous pursuit. Our prized relationships may deepen and grow in the process.

And on we go. . .

*Note: For those following along in Morning Fuel, the reading for November 14 Time for Remeasure features this “resizing” approach to holiday gatherings.

P.S. I’m grateful for the chance to join the conversation with Kendra Rinaldi on Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray in Between and share what I’ve learned about walking with both loss and hope. When we allow grief and gratitude to coexist, even the heaviest moments can offer a hint of light.

If this resonates, I’d love for you to listen in and see what speaks to you.