Cherishing the Ones We Love: A Reminder of What Truly Matters
Last week, as I scrolled through Instagram, I came across something that really hit home—three people from my network had just lost someone close to them. It was a heavy reminder of how fleeting life can be and made me stop to reflect on how incredibly fortunate I am to still have my family in good health.
As someone living and working abroad, far away from my loved ones, these moments of realization come with an extra emotional weight. While I’ve built a fulfilling life and career away from home, there are days when the distance feels much greater than the miles themselves. In these moments, I can't help but think about how far I am from my family and how much I miss those small, everyday connections that many people may take for granted.
This is why, no matter how hectic my day gets, I make it a point to check in with my family every single day. I schedule a call with them—even if it’s a brief conversation—to ensure that I’m staying connected. I tell my mom that I got home safely from work, even when it’s late, and we talk about the simple things in life. It’s these seemingly small rituals that ground me, no matter how far I am.
As I look forward to October, I’m filled with excitement at the thought of being able to spend an entire month with them. For someone who has been away for so long, the chance to be present and share in their daily lives is something I will truly cherish. I’ve already started counting the days until I can experience those little moments again—sitting around the dinner table, catching up on life with a coffee in the morning, and simply being together.
Being away from family can make you realize how much those small moments matter. I’ve learned that while career milestones and professional achievements are important, they don’t compare to the relationships that truly give our lives meaning. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily responsibilities, but at the end of the day, nothing is more fulfilling than the connections we nurture with those we love.
So, take a moment today to appreciate the people who matter most. Just let them know that you’re thinking of them. It’s these small, seemingly insignificant actions that remind us of what’s truly important.
As for me, I’ll be cherishing every moment I get to spend with my family this October. Because when all is said and done, it’s not the work emails or deadlines that I’ll remember—it's the laughter, the warm hugs, and the sense of belonging that only family can give.