Thank those that inspire you!

Many people in our lives have affected us in positive ways up to this point. Yet we rarely take the time to thank them. Many years ago, on my first real job out of college, I had the fortune to work with someone who inspired me. He taught me to push myself, to reach goals I did not think were achievable, and to never give up or get down on myself. He did all this without even knowing it.

He retired a couple years after I joined the company and I did not have the chance to tell him the positive impact he had on me. Some years went by and social media began to come around. I ended up finding him online and I was able to tell him how much he meant to me. I told him how through his example, I was inspired to be better. How through his positivity, I learned tenacity and to keep a positive attitude. I also told him how grateful I was for the time he spent getting to know me and making me feel important.

Time passed and I did not hear back from him. Again, sometimes life gets in the way and we do not have all the time we need. Then, one day, I received a message. It was hard to read through, as we never know the affect we also have on others. He told me he was sorry for the delayed response. He said, “You do not know how many times I have tried to write you and could not come up with the words to say how much your letter meant to me”.

My friend and mentor has since passed away. I often reflect upon those words he wrote to me. I feel fortunate to not only have had him be a part of my life but for also having the time to tell him how much he meant. I approach life each day with a goal of being a positive influence to those around me. I also make time to thank those around me.

Life is short and time passes quickly. Be sure to tell those around you, how much you appreciate them. Also know, you may never be aware of how much of an effect you have on those around you. Make sure it is a positive one.