The Things We Miss The Most are the Things We Take For Granted

This week’s challenge was to tell someone you care about what you appreciate, adore and admire about them. It’s important to let the special people in your life know how much you love them or what it is you hold dear about them. Often times the things that we miss the most when they are gone are the things we have taken for granted. 

We get so caught up in the chaos of life that we miss moments or opportunities to connect. More often than not, we only realize what we’ve missed when the moment has long since passed, or the connection has faded. The same can be true is a special person in our lives passes away.

When a relationship has come to an end, as we grieve we start to remember some of the things we took for granted or we really miss. Even when ending a relationship is necessary, we still miss specific aspects of that relationship, or the comfort it brought.

When we are present in our relationships, we make stronger more intimate connections with our loved ones.

Time goes quickly. Seeing how fast our kids grow up always drives home this realization. The point is that we need to be present and mindful of what is right in front of us—to connect with the wonderful gifts of life and our relationships.

Our lives are in constant state of change, whether we want them to be or not. When we live in the present moment, with awareness of our appreciation, we can be more open to having greater connections. 

There is simplicity in intimacy: slowing down and being in the present moment with loved ones.  

When we turn off our phones, the TV, and all the other distractions, to be attuned to what a person is saying to us across the table, or on the couch, we connect in a very intimate way.  Really paying attention to our partners, family, kids and those that we care about helps us stay connected to them.

Making sure your person, or people that you love, knows how much you love/appreciate them is so important. It doesn’t take a lot of time to let those that matter to you know how much they mean to you.

Dr. John Gottman talks about the importance “small, intentional moments” in relationships. When you nurture your relationships with small gestures, you’re letting your partner know you are there with them, and how much you appreciate about them. It doesn’t take much but the effort goes a long way.

Here are some key steps to staying connected with your partner or your loved ones, so you know you don’t take them for granted:

  1. Every night before you go to bed let them know one thing you appreciate about them for that day. 
  2. Pick one night a week where all electronics are off in the house and plan for dinner by candle light or game night.
  3. Let your loved one know three things that makes them special to you.
  4. Be patient and kind
  5. Ask about their life dreams
  6. Hug each other or cuddle on the couch together
  7. Make your loved one their favorite meals or dessert
  8. Run an errand or help them with chores.
  9. Tell the story of the first time you met them
  10. Laugh together often

These are just a few key steps to stay connected with your partner or your loved one.  Remember that life is short and is such a gift. Slow down and reach out to that someone special in your life and let them know what they mean to you.