It’s so easy to delay, to defer.  To let other things get in the way.  To not say “hello,” to just keep passing along the way.

But do you know someone who just got promoted?  Why not reach out to say congratulations. 

Someone lost their mom and you’re not sure how to react?  Give them a call to offer condolences. 

Someone just popped into your mind for no reason? Give them a call to check in and say hello, even for no reason. Not sure if you should?  A rule I’ve really tried to adopt is: When in doubt, reach out. I’ve even given it a little acronym, which helps me remember it: WIDRO.

A quote that’s stuck with me is attributed alternately to Stephen Grellet and William Penn:

“I shall pass this way but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

While I try to keep this in mind in the context of trying to do nice things for other people while we still can, I think it also applies in many of our relationships.

We’re fellow passengers in this life. Our time is limited. If we want to make the best of ourselves, our lives, and of our relationships, we really don’t have the time or energy to spare for personal contention.

And if we are indeed fellow passengers in this life, and are only here for a little while, why not reach out to our fellow beings once in awhile. Even if for no reason?

When in doubt, reach out.