Now that there are fewer than 30 days until the “big day,” it’s all getting real. Somehow I will soon be 60. And, honestly, a lot could happen in the next 30 days. You never know when the last time you see a loved one will be. So why are we so negligent in expressing our love and appreciation?

It always strikes me when someone dies that their Facebook page is full of expressions of how much their family and friends loved them. Why don’t we tell them now? Why don’t we tell them while they are alive to hear it?

I’m getting better about it, but still struggle with expressing to all of the people who have had an impact on my life, how much of an impact they had. And I like to think I have impacted the lives of others throughout my life. It is always nice to hear that we’ve done something good for someone else.

In fact, when people HAVE taken the time to tell me that I’ve had an impact in their life, I’m usually surprised. I have no idea that in going along my way, I did or said something that they needed at that moment that they remember and take the time to thank me for. Those moments are priceless and tend to entice me to continue doing what I do, showing interest in teaching others, and just being kind.

Just this week, I received an email from a reader of my proofreading blog about how much they appreciated it and were entertained and educated by it. That simple act made a huge difference! Sometimes you feel like whatever it is you are doing–writing, training, mentoring–isn’t making an impact on anyone and you are just basically wearing yourself out without anyone noticing. It just takes a couple of people taking time from their schedule to let you know they appreciate you to make it worth continuing what you are doing with renewed vigor.

So if you know someone who has made a difference in your life, take a minute and let them know. I’m sure they would agree that hearing something like that now is oh so much better than someone posting it on your Facebook wall or writing it in an obituary guest book after you’re gone. There is no greater gift in the world than true appreciation and it’s an easy task. We just need to take the few minutes it takes to let them know. Then you will be making a huge difference in their life!