What Matters

I recently took a break from blogging because of some incredibly tragic personal circumstances.

When a family member dies unexpectedly, let alone a child, it is an opportunity for introspection, reflection and a reassessment about what really matters.

This is what I found.

Most of the people I knew were incredible. Even people I didn’t know well contacted me with their thoughts, love and heartfelt wishes of support. And it really was the thought that counted.

Then there were others who stayed away. One or two were friends whom I thought were close friends who didn’t even send a text. Incredible. But it made me realize that there were a couple of types of people in the world: those that take action in spite of their own discomfort or feelings of not knowing the right thing to do, and those who stand back for the same reasons.

And it made me realize that it’s not just the passing of a loved one when people act like this but whenever something difficult or challenging arises. There are those who take the first step in good faith and with good intentions and those that don’t.

And it makes all the difference.

Taking action no matter how small can mean the difference in letting someone know they’re not alone, in letting someone know they’re thought about and not forgotten and that you have enough strength of character to put yourself out there. Business disappointment, job loss, missed sales opportunity, resignation, let alone a personal loss are all reasons to connect.

Moreover, it’s the everyday connections that build collateral in the relationship/connection bank account. Making deposits regularly into the quality of your connection with those in your personal, family, professional life means that oversights are less of an issue. Your goal is to never be overdrawn on any relationship.

So I implore you. Don’t wait to thank the people in your life. Don’t wait to say I love you to those that matter. And for all of those who are good to you: don’t ever make them wonder if you notice.

Make them especially glad you did.

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