"It's okay. Another time," is a phrase that I hope I don't have to hear too often. That's because I feel that the time to see loved ones is now. Many times we have "other things to do" and take the invitations to see family and friends for granted. It seems that when tragedy or something unexpected happens is when we scramble to adjust our schedules to be there for loved ones.
I've made plenty of mistakes by practicing the term, "I'm sorry. I can't make it." Now that time has passed and I realize that the years cannot be rewound, I try not to do so, especially for events that involve loved ones. Obviously, it can be challenging to accept every social invitation, but it's important to accept some of them at least to spend time with those we care about and to show them that we are there for them as well. We need people in our lives.
We all like to feel appreciated and loved -- whether in friendships, in family relationships or romantic relationships. Taking for granted any of these is not a good thing. Sometimes, friends or other loved ones can get tired of hearing "Sorry, I can't make it." Then, what happens? The invitations to have coffee or to the next child's birthday party eventually become less frequent and eventually stop.
It's understandable that some things are beyond our control. Those that love us understand this. I just think it's important to put forth the effort to see loved ones when possible, even if we must adjust schedules and shift things in our daily routine a bit. It's most definitely possible. When we really want something, we make it happen.
Because I'm tired of being the cousin/daughter/friend/granddaughter who is always busy, I plan to spend more time with family and friends over my time off during the holidays, God willingly. I have a family wedding coming up, as my beautiful cousin Sarah becomes the next family member to walk down the aisle. I've seen her grow up, as there is a significant age difference. I'm ten plus years older than she. This is sure to be a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. Plus, I'm looking forward to seeing all my extended family in one location.
The truth is, I need to see my family and friends as much as they need to see me. Learn from me and don't keep saying, "Sorry, I can't make it." Be the one who attends gatherings with family and friends. They love you and just like you long to see them, they long to see you too.
Priscilla Rice is an actor, poet, mother and aspiring samba dancer. She has appeared in several plays at the Latino Cultural Center and helps coordinate a monthly spoken word event at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. She studied Broadcast Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin and has worked as a radio news/traffic reporter and assignment editor for various television stations. She currently works as an interpreter/translator. She is originally from Crystal City, TX and resides in Dallas with her son, Leo.
I've made plenty of mistakes by practicing the term, "I'm sorry. I can't make it." Now that time has passed and I realize that the years cannot be rewound, I try not to do so, especially for events that involve loved ones. Obviously, it can be challenging to accept every social invitation, but it's important to accept some of them at least to spend time with those we care about and to show them that we are there for them as well. We need people in our lives.
We all like to feel appreciated and loved -- whether in friendships, in family relationships or romantic relationships. Taking for granted any of these is not a good thing. Sometimes, friends or other loved ones can get tired of hearing "Sorry, I can't make it." Then, what happens? The invitations to have coffee or to the next child's birthday party eventually become less frequent and eventually stop.
It's understandable that some things are beyond our control. Those that love us understand this. I just think it's important to put forth the effort to see loved ones when possible, even if we must adjust schedules and shift things in our daily routine a bit. It's most definitely possible. When we really want something, we make it happen.
Because I'm tired of being the cousin/daughter/friend/granddaughter who is always busy, I plan to spend more time with family and friends over my time off during the holidays, God willingly. I have a family wedding coming up, as my beautiful cousin Sarah becomes the next family member to walk down the aisle. I've seen her grow up, as there is a significant age difference. I'm ten plus years older than she. This is sure to be a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. Plus, I'm looking forward to seeing all my extended family in one location.
The truth is, I need to see my family and friends as much as they need to see me. Learn from me and don't keep saying, "Sorry, I can't make it." Be the one who attends gatherings with family and friends. They love you and just like you long to see them, they long to see you too.
Priscilla Rice is an actor, poet, mother and aspiring samba dancer. She has appeared in several plays at the Latino Cultural Center and helps coordinate a monthly spoken word event at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. She studied Broadcast Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin and has worked as a radio news/traffic reporter and assignment editor for various television stations. She currently works as an interpreter/translator. She is originally from Crystal City, TX and resides in Dallas with her son, Leo.
