#209

We have a little family ritual.

At birthdays or milestone moments, we go around the table and share something like:
“What’s one thing you love about them?”
“What do you admire most about them?”

It’s become a family tradition - simple, heartfelt, and meaningful.

And every time we do it, something shifts.

We soften. We feel more seen. It’s almost like our souls connect.

Recently, at my own birthday with a small group of close friends, I decided to flip the ritual.

For my thank you speech, instead of them sharing something about me, I shared something I loved about each of them.

One by one. Thirty people. No notes. Acknowledgement spilling from my heart.

The response was moving - but not because of the performative aspect.

People were stunned that I “remembered” all those things.

But the truth is: I didn’t need to remember.

Because I already knew.

I knew what I loved.

I knew what I admired.

I knew what I appreciated.

I saw something in each of them - something they may not always see in themselves.

And maybe that’s the point.

We wait too long to say these things.

We wait for the right moment and sometimes that moment never comes because we’re too late.

We save our admiration for birthdays, eulogies, or big life moments.

But why?

What if we didn’t need a reason to share what we see, love, admire, or appreciate?

What if friendship wasn’t just about showing up when things are tough - but also when things are good?

What if friendship sounded more like: “I just wanted to say this, because I can.” Not “because I had to.”
No milestone required.
No special occasion.
Just now. Just because.

Because friendships matter.

Because you see something in them worth acknowledging and celebrating.

Because sometimes, the kindest thing we can give another person…is a reflection of how deeply they’re seen.

Some whispers to ponder:

• Who in your life needs to hear what you see in them?
• What stops you from saying it now?
• What would happen if you said it anyway - just because?
• When was the last time someone told you what they admired in you? What impact did it have?

If you could start your own ritual of unprompted appreciation, what might it look like?

This week, don’t wait for the reason.

Be the reason someone feels seen.