A new year is here and I keep thinking about all the people with whom I no longer interact. Some we parted ways on a good note, some not so good. Whichever way it ended, it ended. Time had run out on our acquaintanceship or friendship.

On a disconcerting note, there are some that I said goodbye to way to soon. The people in our lives that passed away – some I wished I would have contacted when I thought of them. Instead, I kept telling myself that tomorrow or next week wouldn’t be as busy. There it is! Busy! Who did I think I was that I could put off contacting someone whom I was thinking of just because I was busy?

Not laying aside time to interact with family or friends only deprives us of time with family or friends. Just imagine if you contacted someone and it brightened their day? What if you were the one who was just the “pick me up” they need? Breaking their loneliness or be a light in their dark day.

However, reaching out sometimes is a one-way street and this too, can break a spirit. I am all for lazy, slow, casual conversations. The kind of conversations that you reminisce, laugh, talk about today and the future. Mostly, just talk, catch up and make plans to get together more and enjoy each other’s company. Moreover, this is just a courtesy in a conversation. Time passes and we never act on these plans.

In closing I’d like to challenge you to reach out to family, friends, or acquaintances soon. Remember tomorrow is not promised. Today you may be the lifeline someone needs!

Happy 2026!