27/02/2026
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No, it’s not really a theory, and I’m not packing this concept into a book. Yet have you noticed how we wait until funerals to say the things that matter most? We speak beautifully about someone’s light, impact, and kindness, but by then, they can’t hear us.
Many people go their whole lives without knowing how deeply they’re appreciated and loved because we assume they already know. Or we wait for the “right” moment, hold back because we’re afraid of sounding too emotional, or because we’ve never been shown the power of vulnerability ourselves.
Unlike many things in life, appreciation has an expiry date. And the best time to give it is always now. So tell them that you admire them, and be as specific as you can. Not just “you’re great,” but “your presence calms me when everything feels chaotic.” Not just “I appreciate you,” but “you make others feel safe to be themselves, and that’s rare.”
You never know who’s silently struggling, who feels unseen, and who’s questioning their worth. Your words could be the reminder that someone’s existence matters. That their energy has impact, and that their being isn’t just noticed, but cherished.
Compliments don’t cost you anything, and your kindness might be the only light someone receives that day. Go ahead and be kind to service staff, generous with your appreciation, and sincere with your praise. A genuine smile, a thoughtful thank-you, or a few kind words can shift someone’s entire day, and remind them that goodness still exists in the world. Sometimes, that gives someone on the edge a reason to keep living.
We’ve been taught to ration praise in case we inflate someone’s ego or come across as “too much.” But the truth is, most people are already shrinking under the weight of not feeling like they’re enough. Your words won’t make someone’s head too big, but they might help mend a heart. So be the voice that softens the noise of self-doubt.
Give the flowers now. While they can still breathe them in.
