Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s all too easy to take people for granted. We assume that family will always be there, that friends will remain loyal no matter what, and that colleagues or mentors will continue to guide us whenever we need them. Yet, life reminds us—sometimes harshly—that no one’s presence is permanent. Every person who walks beside us does so by choice, not obligation. Their decision to share their time, energy, and love is a privilege, not a guarantee. The consequences of this assumption can be dire, as we often realize the true worth of someone only when they are absent.
We often realize the true worth of someone only when they are absent. Just as light seems ordinary until darkness surrounds us, the people who brighten our days may be overlooked until they are no longer with us.
This tendency to undervalue others while they are present stems from a human habit of focusing on what is missing rather than appreciating what is already there. Only when silence replaces laughter, when an empty seat reminds us of who once filled it, can we feel the sharp sting of regret, wishing we had cherished their presence more. But why do we wait? Why do we hesitate to express simple words like “thank you,” “I appreciate you,” or “you matter to me”? Perhaps it is because we assume tomorrow will always come. Maybe it is because pride or distraction keeps us from expressing vulnerability. Yet, if we are honest, tomorrow is never promised. Every interaction could be our last opportunity to honor someone’s presence. By expressing gratitude, we have the power to make every moment count.
Learning to cherish people while they are alive is not only about kindness, but also about building a culture of gratitude. When we value those around us, we strengthen relationships, deepen trust, and nurture the bonds that sustain us through hardship. Appreciation does not require grand gestures; it thrives in small acts of recognition. These small acts of kindness, such as a phone call to check in, words of encouragement, or even a silent but attentive presence, can transform relationships and bring hope. More importantly, valuing people affirms their humanity in a world where many feel invisible. Too often, we elevate material success while overlooking the emotional wealth of human connection. In such a climate, the danger is that honesty, integrity, and compassion may be discarded for selfish ambition or fleeting gains. But suppose we choose to genuinely honor people. In that case, we stand against this cultural drift toward materialism and remind ourselves that human worth is not measured by possessions, but by presence and character.
The truth is simple yet profound: We lose twice when we fail to appreciate people. We lose them physically when they leave and lose the chance to show them they mattered while they were still here. To avoid this double loss, we must live intentionally. We must make a conscious effort to express gratitude now, not later, to offer kindness today, not tomorrow, and to treasure people while they are beside us, not in their absence.
Because in the end, no award, wealth, or achievement can replace the quiet peace of knowing that we loved and valued others while we still had the chance.
Courtesy of MEFoundation