It’s graduation season. Whether your child is graduating from kinder or college, it’s time to celebrate. Having just completed my first year as an empty-nester, I can say with confidence, watching your children graduate at ALL the stages, is beautiful. Here’s what I want to encourage you to do: Say the Things.

Saying “the things” means saying what’s in your heart and mind without holding back. No regrets. I’m trying so hard to get better at this with my kids. As they drive away, back to their lives, I want to be sure I’ve reminded them of how much they’re loved, how much I enjoy their company, hope for their future, and pray for them. I try to remind them how proud I am of the humans they’re becoming. As I leave my mom, I try to think of words that I want her remember. As I sign off a text to a friend, do they know that I think they’re amazing humans? Or, to a friend or colleague, have I expressed gratitude recently?

Don’t take for granted that your messages are implicit. Or, that people already know how you feel, that “they just know” that you love them. Say it. Show it. You’ll never regret at a day’s end that you expressed love or pride to someone.

So, if you have a child, family member, or friend celebrating a milestone, risk being the loud, sappy one. Cheer loudly. Stand up and wave! Jump up and down and allow tears of joy to spill down your cheeks. It’s just love overflowing. And people need to know there are other humans out in the world, darn proud, and cheering them on.

Happy spring milestone season. Happy graduation. Happy days of expressing love.