In the summer of 2015, I lost both my grandfathers within a month. The hole in my heart mourned the absence of two dearly loved role models. However, I was grateful. Grateful that their deaths were not unexpected, and that I’d had the opportunity to say what I needed to before their souls left this earth. The lesson that stuck with me was the importance of having no regrets. To not leave any love, affection, admiration, gratitude, or compliments for another day. To say them NOW.

Sometimes it may seem strange or excessive to express warm and fuzzy feelings. We may worry the other person will be confused or weirded out, or that we’ll look too sensitive, emotion-full, or out of character. [Our egos are such divas and worry-warts, aren’t they?] Now, I’d rather let others know how talented, valued, and extraordinary they are. Leave no kind word unsaid. Because you never know. 

That summer taught me to tell people how much they mean to me, as often as I can. I didn’t want it to take a health scare or death to prioritize what’s important in life and to me. Since then, I’ve made it a point to share gratitude and compliments–to start conversations of caring–which has strengthened my relationships with family and friends. Maybe it’s my perception, but when you decide to freely communicate from your heart, there can only be deeper connection and understanding as a result.

Some people don’t know (or forget) how you feel about them or the positive impact they’ve had on your life. Maybe your words are just what they need to hear. In any event, receiving love and care feels amazing! If they ask you for a reason, you can say, “Just because,” and leave it at that. Or tell them your philosophy if that’s comfortable. Maybe you’ll inspire them to spread the love.

There’s no time like the present, or rather, there’s no time other than the present.  The moment is really all we have. So I urge you to tell someone today how much he or she means to you–by phone, text, email, or (better yet) in person. Let’s have no regrets or wasted opportunities. Be the one who brightens someone’s day. In the process, you’ll end up enriching your own as well.