2 Reasons to Stop Waiting to Reach out to Those You Care About
So often we want to wait until “later” to reach out to loved ones, because we are too busy right now. We think thoughts along the lines of, “Oh yes one day we will catch up” or “Eventually I want to hang out with that person.”
Lately, I’ve been reminded that this kind of thinking can lead us to deep sorrow and regret. Let me explain.
I had been meaning to get together with a colleague for many months. He was at the back of my mind, filed away for “later”. One day, I read about his death on social media. I was shocked, upset, and ultimately regretful that I had not reached out sooner.
A month ago, I learned that a dear friend and someone I had mentored, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It came as another shock. We had not spoken for a few years. I was following her on social media and had the impression that she was well.
She died this week, painfully reminding me again that life is not guaranteed, even for another day. If someone is a priority for us, we must act on that.
I’ve made a list of people who are important to me. People I care about. I have resolved to reach out to them regularly so that I don’t end up in the same situation I am in now: filled with sorrow and regret, because that “later” I was counting on will never come.
And, death is a sure reminder to live. Live now, while you can! Make the most of your aliveness.
Share with me your reflections on life and death.
