Today I was reminded of a discussion I had with some of my past students. We were talking about how important it is to thank people when they do something for you or just to let them know that you were thinking about them. I asked the question, “How does it make you feel when someone just calls you out of the blue or sends you a text or a note because they are thinking about you or want to tell you thanks?” I got nothing but blank stares. Not a single person present in class that day had ever had anyone do something like that for them. They responded that aside from maybe a parent or a significant other that they had never had anyone send them a note, call out of the blue or tell them thanks for something. I was floored. How could they have gone this far in life and not gotten a thank-you note, an I’m-thinking-of-you note, or an I-care-about-you phone call?

As this memory flooded through my mind, I made sure to shoot out a couple texts of thanks to people that have impacted me. I don’t want to go days at a time without letting the people that run through my mind know that they are thought of and valuable. I want to challenge you to do the same. If you care about someone, take 5 minutes and send them a note. If you are reminded of  someone who played an important role in your life, take the time to send them an email. Call that friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Tell someone thank you for something that meant a lot to you. Encourage people around you. I just can’t imagine going through life and never hearing that someone cares. Let’s be the difference in someone’s day.

Tell them.