A Celebration of Long Hugs and Near Smiles

Life scatters us like dandelion seeds. Some friends planted roots near me, their laughter a familiar comfort just a phone call away. Others chase dreams across oceans, their faces lighting up my screen in small moments of connection. But no matter the distance, the love remains, a constant hum beneath the ever-changing melody of life.

We get caught up in the daily grind, the emails, the to-do lists, and somehow, “thank you” gets buried beneath the urgency of “must do.” But life moves by too fast. Before we know it, those cherished moments become cherished memories, and the people who hold those memories become even more precious.

Across the world or across the room, the people we love deserve to know how much they mean to us. Maybe it’s the friend who always picks up the phone, no matter how chaotic their life is. Perhaps it’s the family member who offers a listening ear and a warm hug during tough times. Or maybe it’s the person who simply makes you laugh until your sides ache. These are the people who weave threads of joy, support, and love into the tapestry of our lives. They deserve to hear, loud and clear, the impact they have.

So, forget the awkwardness of expressing my feelings. Ditch the “I’ll tell them later” mentality and embrace the power of “you make me a better person.”  Send a heartfelt message, pick up the phone for a long overdue conversation, or better yet, plan a trip to see that person who lives far away.

Long hugs might be rare for some of us, but a heartfelt text goes a long way. A near smile might be a daily occurrence for others, but a handwritten letter can carry a special weight. The point is, express yourself! Let the people you love know how much they matter.

Because life is short, and the connections we build are what truly matter in the end. Let’s cherish them, near or far, with open hearts and unwavering love.  Celebrate the people who make our journey brighter, a little louder and a little clearer, one heartfelt expression at a time.