About this quote

People often wait to praise or comfort others until it's too late. That leaves secondhand words at funerals instead of real moments shared while someone is still here. You can stop that pattern by saying one clear thing today: thank you, I notice you, I value you. Who will you tell before the chance slips away?

When to use it

• At my boss's retirement lunch I stood up and said, 'Before you go, I want you to know how much your guidance changed my career.'
• In the hospital waiting room before surgery I held my father's hand and said, 'Dad, I don't say this enough: you've taught me how to be steady. Thank you.'
• Right after my thesis defense I pulled my advisor aside and said, 'I learned more than research from you — thank you for believing in me.'
• After our last game of the season I hugged my teammate and said, 'You kept the team together all year. I'm glad I got to play with you.'