Savoring Friendships, IUSA and a New Year

by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday morning, and if you're just tuning into the SCU blog for the first time, here's a warning - I always go off track from business and marketing when I write Sunday Morning Reflections. And I never know what I want to share until I put my fingers on the keyboard.

It's a new year, and I've noticed how I look at friendships has changed dramatically. I'll blame my buddies Duncan MacNab and Bob Thompson for igniting my savor and cherish genes. I posted about Duncan and the trip Bob and I made a few months ago - but here's my point. Duncan was simply always there, and I took it for granted. I never thought about losing such a good friend.

With IUSA coming up in two weeks, I catch myself wondering who's going to be there. There are so many people I've missed seeing, and phone and zoom calls just don't cut it. And whether it's politically or health-supported, I'll be going for the hugs...with fist bumps only when necessary!

Even now, in my day-to-day interactions with old and new friends, I find myself picking up the phone more often. Even short conversations become these wonderful little smile-inducing elements during the day.

And here's my point - it's a new year, and I'll be damned if anything is going to get in the way. My grandmother always said, "Life is too short," but I didn't understand the real meaning until I was older. That's where my savor and cherish genes come in. Like a fine wine, you don't chug; you sip and appreciate it. 

So savor and cherish those people most important to you. Don't waste time taking them for granted - make 2023 a year of no regrets, never missing an opportunity to stay in touch. Take the time today and do an inventory of people you've missed. Then lay out an informal plan for catching up to them, preferably in person!
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Wishing everybody a day ahead filled with great friends and looks in the rearview mirror that bring back the pure joy of each of them being in your life. Go for those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about, and don't waste time - it's your most valuable commodity!

Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.