It’s easy to forget the importance of relationships in today’s fast-paced world. Most people are too absorbed in their own lives to appreciate what truly matters. They don’t reach out just to say hey or hello!, don’t take the time to stay connected, and often forget the importance of the little things. However, I can tell you that the greatest investment you will ever make will be in people and the return on investment (ROI) is unparalleled and limitless.
I've been lucky enough to have friends who make time for each other no matter how busy life gets. The important thing isn’t a grand gesture, but just to show up. I always try to show up when someone needs me, and I know how much that means. Your small efforts like a text or a visit or lending an ear may seem small to others but are powerful. It enhances trust, creates a deeper connection between two people and makes a bond for life.
Some people don't value some of these things. They would belittle the time and efforts which you put into keeping those relationships going. But believe me, it doesn't go unnoticed. The benefits may not be direct sometimes and may not even be immediate, but somehow they have their own way of coming when we least expected. A helping hand in hard times, a word of encouragement when one is feeling down, or even opportunities opening up because of the connections you've built up are the real benefits or returns that come from investing in people.
That said, not everyone is going to appreciate you. No matter how much time, love, and energy you give to some individuals, they will always prove to be ungrateful. That is why it's very important to invest smartly. Spend your time and energy with people who give back and value your company as much as you do theirs. Life is short, and it will just be bad to waste precious time on a one-sided relationship.
But at the end of the day, deeper relationships aren't about what you get in return; it is about living a life worth living with people who mean something. Take time to connect, show up, and invest in the relationships that lift you up. Because when you find the right people, the ROI isn't just great, it's life-changing.
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