Say What You Need to Say

I know John Mayer said it first, but I have always been a big fan of doing just that.  Be it good, bad or indifferent sometimes it can mean so much to someone to hear it from you.  Just telling someone you dig their shoes or how beautiful they look can drastically affect the other person.  Sometimes I think so many of us just hold back when all it takes is a phone call, text or an email like my best friend Kevin wrote below. 

And it doesn't necessarily have to be something good.  We all at times need someone to tell us the hard truth that we don't want to hear.  I know I have had some of my very best friends do that for me and initially, yes it stings, but after a little reflection you can see the good intentions of calling you out on a bad choice or action.  I think that is the beauty of true friends and family; they are the reflection that we sometimes need to help us grow and be the best version of ourselves.

Why is it so difficult to just say I am sorry or I was wrong or THANK YOU or even compliment someone on something they have done?  So like Kev did for me below, if you are thinking something, albeit small or grandiose, that could impact someone you love or care about go ahead whip out your pen and personalized stationary or open your email and say what you need to say...

The email below from Kevin made my day and I plan to keep it with throughout my entire trip Down Under!

Cheryl,

I haven't talked to you much lately, but I wanted to take a quick break from work and let you know how I feel about all this Australia non-sense.  I'm really proud of you.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you're seizing it.  There will almost always be something else in the way; work, love, family and financial obligations.  But a narrow window has opened for you, one where none of this stuff can stop you now.  Instead of making excuses, worrying about rent or your stuff, you've taken quick action to put all your shit in storage and sublet the place out.  You need change and you made it happen and that's why I'm proud of you.

Things might not work out.  You may even have to come home earlier than planned.   Just remember that nothing can be considered a failure.  If you make it to Australia, and spend even just a month there, you have succeeded.  You will always have the pictures, memories, stories, and experience of that time abroad.  Most importantly, you'll always be able to say, "I went for it."

Good luck and I love you,

Kev