What Two Beatles Taught Me About Love and Respect

April 2 is national “Love Our Children Day” in the United States. And it’s a perfect reminder to show love and respect to everyone we encounter from adults to children.

A few years ago, I was backstage before a Ringo Starr concert with a group of fans waiting to meet the world-famous Beatles drummer.

Other fans were nervous, and the lady next to me was hyperventilating because she was about to meet an idol—one of the Beatles. When Ringo arrived, I was first in line, and he smiled, gave me a big hug, and talked to me while looking directly at me. He focused on me and made me feel loved and respected, like I was important. That is a feeling I will never forget.

Years earlier, I saw Paul McCartney on stage for a pre-concert soundcheck and noticed that Paul approached every band and crew member. He hugged them and asked how they were.

I could tell Paul knew them personally and cared about them. Those acts of love and kindness by two of the world’s most famous musicians give a remarkable lesson for us all. In this day when so much is in turmoil, we need to show love and respect for others around us.

Love, Relationships

In All the Right Reasons, I write about what I call The Dorothy Principle. In essence, it puts relationships at the top of the priority list.

People have told me the Dorothy Principle has made an instant impact on their lives. I learned long ago that treating others with the utmost respect and kindness is a key to success and makes life more harmonious for everyone.

To illustrate the Dorothy Principle:

On a pop quiz, a college professor asked: ‘What is the name of the woman who cleans this building?’ and emphasized that nothing is more important than relationships.

The class was blank but soon learned the cleaning lady’s name was Dorothy. So I have dubbed that value the Dorothy Principle and have tried to put relationships first in everything I do.

I apply the same principle as Chairman and CEO at USANA Health Sciences.

I urge all of our Associates domestically and internationally to treat others politely with kindness. Learn their names, acknowledge them as you pass by, and step outside of your own issues to be genuinely respectful to everyone.

I believe those simple patterns of behavior can make us all more civil and lift each other to higher levels of harmony in life.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on March 31, 2022.

Designed to help others find keys to successful careers and life, All the Right Reasons reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds from sales of the bestseller are aimed at feeding two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, each book sold provides 40 meals through The USANA Foundation.