Hey there! Today, I want to talk about something that often goes unnoticed in our busy lives: appreciating the people around us while they are still alive and with us. It’s unfortunate that we often tend to express our gratitude and appreciation only after someone has passed away. But why wait until it’s too late?

A Nigerian artiste, Mohbad, died a few weeks ago, and the news of his death made him popular. He went from someone only a fraction of people paid attention to, to someone American rappers posted about. There’s been a lot of speculation over the challenges he faced before his demise and the cause of his death. Like many Nigerians, I know some of his songs, but I couldn’t place the face or name of the person who sang them until his death. Now, his music is topping the charts, and everyone is rooting for justice for him. Concerts, protests and candlelight processions have occurred all in his name. His body was exhumed for an autopsy, and the government is invested in ensuring there was no foul play in his death. Unfortunately, he isn’t alive to see all this, and that’s super sad.

I envy my friends who still have both or one of their parents alive. And I get mad when they make statements like, “Why is this man disturbing me?” or “I haven’t spoken to my Mum in weeks”. Life is short, and I try to remind them often to spend as much time as they can with their parents and do as much as they can for them. Death is too final, and I know this because I’ve lost both parents.

We should start recognizing the importance of appreciating those we hold dear while they’re still here to hear it. I know we will all die eventually, but we can minimize the number of regrets through the following actions:

1. Our Words:

Our words hold great power and significance, although we may not always realize it. Whether they are positive or negative, the words we choose to use can have a profound impact on the well-being of those around us. By sharing expressions of gratitude like “thank you” or affirmations such as “I love you” or “you mean a lot to me,” we can uplift someone’s spirits and strengthen our relationships. Don’t hold back; express your appreciation openly and sincerely, and watch how it can transform relationships.

2. Cherish Moments:

Life is a collection of moments, and it’s crucial to relish each one. Take the time to create beautiful memories with your loved ones. Engage in activities you all enjoy, share laughter, and make the most of the time you have together. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures while at it. By actively participating in these moments, you not only create lasting memories but also display your appreciation for their presence in your life.

3. Acts of Kindness:

Small acts of kindness can go a long way. Surprise your loved ones with their favourite treat, write them a heartfelt note, lend a helping hand when they least expect it or simply give them a warm embrace. These acts of kindness show your appreciation by demonstrating that you are attentive to their needs and genuinely care about their happiness.

4. Active Listening:

Listening is an often overlooked aspect of appreciation. Genuinely hearing someone without distractions shows that you value their thoughts and feelings. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and listen attentively. By doing so, you show appreciation and deepen your understanding of the person and their experiences.

5. Celebrate Milestones:

Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, big or small, of the people you care about. Whether it’s an accomplishment at work, a personal milestone, or even a small victory, take the time to congratulate and recognize their efforts. Celebrating their successes not only boosts their self-esteem but also shows them that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Let’s all try to break the pattern of waiting until it’s too late to express our appreciation for the people in our lives. By intentionally showing appreciation to the people we care about while they are alive, we create a positive and nurturing environment that strengthens our relationships and brings joy to everyone involved. Remember, life is too short to wait for tomorrow!

So, go ahead and reach out to someone you appreciate right now. Let them know how much they mean to you.

Thank you for reading, and remember to spread love and appreciation every chance you get!

Mariam Shittu