When was the last time you told someone you loved them? That you are grateful for their existence and are so utterly happy that out of all 7 billion people in the world, you had the opportunity to not only meet them but have them in your life?
Who are you thinking of? Who was that person that came to mind just now?
Text or call them right now and tell them how you feel.
My favorite words ever were written by Rachel Lewis and is titled, “Tell The People You Love That You Love Them.” (For your sake, take a minute out of your day to read these beautiful and inspiring words.) In summary, Lewis’ message is about living life straightforward and telling the people you love that you love them. Because we never know when the bus might come and end our lives right then and there.
“But there is nothing more beautiful than being desperate. And there is nothing more risky than pretending not to care.” – Rachel C. Lewis
As humans, we want to be as in control of our lives as possible. We make decisions about who we’re going to see that day, what we’ll eat for breakfast, the places we’ll go, and what we want to accomplish at work before we head home.
But the thing about being human is that we aren’t in control. Surprises happen, spontaneity exists. Others make decisions that dramatically alter our lives. Life happens, for better or for worse.
Life is unpredictable: The town is burned down without warning, everyone scrambling to save the things that make them who they are; her aunt is driving on the street past the elementary school she grew up in, singing the words to her favorite Beatles song, "Hey Jude," and then a man suddenly appears dead in front of the car (her medical test a week later diagnoses her with Stage 4 brain cancer); she walks into the animal shelter for her summer volunteer job and 2 hours later, she’s signing the paperwork for the puppy whose floppy ears and chocolate brown eyes overrode any rational thinking; he took the first sip to forget his academic problems and now he doesn’t know who he is anymore.
“We never know who needs us back. We never know the magic that can arise between ourselves and other humans.” – Rachel C. Lewis
Tell the people you love that you love them. Be genuine. Mean it. The best part about being scared of the unknown, I've realized, is that it makes me more grateful for the present and everyone in it.
And I’m not talking about all the times you tell your mother you love her before you hang up the phone; because are you even saying it out of love? Or has it become such a routine, a habit that those are the words that spill out of your mouth without meaning?
I’m talking about the times you went out of your way to proclaim your love, whether it was texting them at 3 in the morning when you couldn't sleep, or 5 minutes after you ate lunch with them. It’s always better to do it now, then have it be too late, wonder what if, and have regrets later. Be vulnerable. Wear your heart on your sleeve even though everyone tells you not to.
Because even though we show our love with actions – going through security at the airport just so you can be the first one your dad sees when he gets off the plane or helping your friend understand her homework when it’s two hours past your bedtime – saying, “I love you,” aloud with words, is tangible evidence that someone out there cares about us. We feel a little more complete.
I appreciate you. I’m grateful for our friendship. You make me a better person.
I freaking love you.
