Inspired by yJames Taylor’s timeless song, this blog post is a reflection on what it really means to “shower the people you love with love.” From everyday gestures to hard conversations, I share my personal journey of learning to show—not just tell—those closest to me how deeply I care.
There’s something about James Taylor’s voice that always feels like home. Gentle, honest, and real—like an old friend who’s not afraid to tell you the truth. And in his song “Shower the People,” he sings something I’ve been trying to live by, especially in recent years:
“HShower the people you love with love. Show them the way that you feel.”
Sounds simple, right? But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy.
When I was younger, I thought love was about big moments. Birthday cakes, graduation gifts, handwritten letters on special occasions. And while those things matter, I’ve learned that real love lives in the small, everyday acts—especially when life gets hard.
I’ve had to learn this the slow way.
Like the time Bob and I were going through one of those rough patches where we just weren’t connecting. We weren’t fighting, exactly—we were just tired, pulled in different directions. He was busy. I was in pain, both physically and emotionally. Instead of opening up, I let the silence build. It was easier to hold things in than admit how overwhelmed I felt.
But one morning, I heard that song on the radio, and it hit me: “Don’t keep them to yourself.” So I didn’t. I told him. I told him I missed him. That I was scared. That I needed him.
He didn’t say much right away, but later that evening, he brought me my favorite sofa, sat next to me on the couch, and just held my hand. No words. Just love.
That’s what it looks like sometimes—no grand declarations, no dramatic speeches. Just being there.
Or the time my son called, clearly stressed. Work, kids, bills, the pressure of trying to do it all. I could’ve jumped in with advice—believe me, I wanted to. But instead, I listened. I told him he’s doing a great job. That I’m proud of him. That I love him. Not because he’s perfect, but because he’s mine.
I’ve learned that people don’t always need us to fix their problems. They need to know they’re not alone.
Then there are the little things that mean everything:
- Sending a photo to my grandkids just to say, “This made me think of you.”
- Writing a card for no reason at all, just to say, “I’m glad you’re in my life.”
- Saying “I’m sorry” first. Even when I don’t feel like it.
- Telling my siblings I love them—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that time has a sneaky way of slipping through your fingers.
Sometimes we hold back because we assume people know how we feel. Or we think it’ll be awkward. Or we worry they won’t say it back. But here’s the thing: not saying it doesn’t make those feelings go away. It just leaves them trapped inside, where no one else can see them.
And love is not meant to be hidden.
I’ve lost people I didn’t get the chance to say it to. I’ve sat at funerals and wondered if they knew. And I’ve promised myself—I won’t let that happen again.
So yes, I’ve become one of those people who says “I love you” more than most. Who sends random check-in texts. Who reminds people that I’m proud of them, that I believe in them, that I’m here.
It’s not about being sappy. It’s about being real.
Because love is only love when we show it. When we say it. When we live it out loud, even if our voice shakes.
So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to say something—this is it. Don’t wait until the eulogy. Don’t wait until the regret.
Shower the people you love with love. You never know who might be waiting for the rain.
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