Over the past couple days, I have noticed that often times we become wrapped up in either work, tasks, or social media, to ever really wind down and be present. Why is that? As someone who tries to steer clear of social media by limiting my usage as often as I can I noticed that one day I was using it a lot.

I noticed because I could hear my mom trying to have a conversation with me, and I was replying with, “Wow’s” and “oh’s”. It was hard to be present because my mind was busy receiving useless information. I suddenly gained focus and put my phone away as I realized this and was determined to be more present.

It’s not just me either, I notice a lot of people close to me do this too. We have become so preoccupied by our own little world and the world of strangers that the people around us become background characters. This is disheartening to think about, as our family and friends are just as important too.

We can’t show appreciation for them by just telling them. Our actions have to back up our words too. We need to be active listeners, especially to the people who love and care for us.

Just because we see them often, or are very close to them, doesn’t mean we should tune them out, or let their voices go unheard. They are special to us, so we need to be mindful of that. If they were to disappear tomorrow, what would be our last regret? Maybe that we didn’t try to get to know them more, as in really know them.

Try to seize those moments where you can learn a little more. They will remember the times you spent trying to understand them, and caring about what they have to say. The best thing you can do with your time in this world is making sure that others don’t go left unseen.

So make sure you try to get to know them more. Even if you have heard every story, every rant, every secret. There is always more to learn about a person, because humans are changing every day.

How could you not want to be curious? If it was someone you truly loved?