Why We Wait Too Long to Tell People They Matter
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Can I tell you something I've realized about myself?
I'm not always great at telling people how much they mean to me.
It's not because I don't love them.
It's not because I don't appreciate them.
I've just never been someone who naturally sits down and pours my heart out with words.
I usually assume people already know.
I'll tell them next time I see them.
I'll send the card later.
I'll make that phone call when life slows down.
But life has a funny way of never really slowing down.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I'd been saying those things in a different way all along.
I bake cookies.
Years ago, when Kaylee was in elementary school, I was the mom making bear-shaped bath salts, unicorn sidewalk chalk, and little handmade gifts for her classmates.
Not because anyone expected it, but because I loved the idea of each child feeling remembered.
I've dropped treats on neighbors' porches.
I've made meals for friends.
I've tucked handwritten notes into gifts.
Looking back, I don't think I was just making things.
I think I was trying to say, “You matter to me.”
The Things People Remember
The older I get, the more I realize that the things people remember usually aren't the expensive things.
They're the thoughtful ones.
The recipe card in Grandma's handwriting.
The loaf of homemade bread someone brought over during a hard week.
The unexpected text that simply says, “I've been thinking about you.”
The flowers picked from someone's own garden.
The handwritten note tucked inside a gift.
None of those things are extravagant.
But every one of them says something words sometimes don't.
“I appreciate you.”
“You crossed my mind today.”
And honestly...
I think we all need to hear those words a little more often.
Why I Started Suds & Buds Apothecary
People sometimes ask me why I started Suds & Buds Apothecary.
When I first started, I thought I was building a business around handcrafted soap and natural products.
I genuinely love creating them, and I still do.
But somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened.
I realized the products weren't the part that filled my heart the most.
It was hearing the stories behind them.
The teacher who finally felt appreciated.
The friend who received an unexpected gift during a hard season.
The neighbor who felt welcomed.
The person who simply needed to know someone was thinking about them.
That's when I realized Suds & Buds was becoming something bigger than I had originally imagined.
Yes, we make handcrafted soap and natural products.
But what this business is really evolving into is helping people strengthen relationships and let someone know they're loved, appreciated, remembered, and cared about.
The products are simply one way to carry that message.
Because in the end, it was never just about the soap.
It's always been about the person receiving it.
Don't Wait for the Perfect Moment
Life gets busy.
Days turn into weeks.
Weeks turn into months.
And before we know it, we realize we've been meaning to tell someone how much they mean to us.
So maybe this is your reminder.
Don't wait for the birthday.
Don't wait for Christmas.
Don't wait until life finally slows down.
Send the text.
Write the note.
Bake the cookies.
Drop off the flowers.
Leave the little surprise.
It doesn't have to be perfect.
It just has to let someone know they mattered enough for you to think of them.
Those are the moments people remember.
And if I've learned anything over the years, it's this:
One Small Thing This Week
Think of one person who has made your life a little better.
Not someone you “should” reach out to.
Someone you genuinely appreciate.
Now let them know.
Send the text you've been meaning to send.
Write the note you've been meaning to write.
Drop off their favorite treat.
Leave flowers on their porch.
Whatever you choose, don't wait for the perfect moment.
A Holistic-ish Reminder
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is simply letting them know they were thought of.