There is no better time to call our special people than now. On the "When-if-not-now scale," we will realize that now, more than ever, there is no guarantee that anyone will still be there to answer. It is a startling fact to focus on, but we know it is much more important today than it was just a year ago to contact anyone we would gravely miss if we waited too long.
Is there anyone we need to make amends with? And if we are reluctant to tell someone that we love them or that we want to apologize or thank- let's just do it. Speaking our hearts has never been more important.
Maybe we should make a list. Or several lists. Plus a list of people we want to call, but are reluctant to do so - which might be the most important list of all.
Making notes about what topics we will address if we get up our courage can't hurt. We don't have to move forward with it, but after writing it down, it might be easier to do so. At least we will give ourselves leeway to do what we hope we can. And, not least of all, we will know what we have on our mind.
On the
"When-if-not-now scale,"
we will realize that now,
more than ever,
there is no guarantee
that anyone will still be there to answer.
"When-if-not-now scale,"
we will realize that now,
more than ever,
there is no guarantee
that anyone will still be there to answer.
Some of us are shy and prefer to write a meaningful message rather than speak it. However, if we can establish a connection with those important in our lives, let's do it! Call, write, send cookies. Whatever each of us is up to doing, let's do it sooner than later.
Maybe some of us want to hear from someone. We can write that down also, in order to recognize what we wish for or even to send a request to someone.
Those who have been married and divorced could send their ex a simple message saying, "It wasn't all bad." Or a notch up: "I remember the good times." Or the ultimate: "Wish I could start all over again with you."
There is the simple call or message to dear old friends and beloved family members that can be succinct but priceless. "I would not have traded you for anyone else in the world." Or even a simple, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me."
Remember, no one regrets being told they are loved or owed an apology, or just finding out they are special to us.
Tick-Tock
Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.