Gather your courage and consider this scenario: You're sitting quietly at home when the telephone rings. You answer it and find out that the person closest to you has just been killed in an accident.

After the shock, and after you get the necessary details, what's your first thought? If you're like many people, you might think back to your last interaction.

Did you share a leisurely meal together, or were you both rushing about frantically? Did you have a nice conversation, or had you been arguing? Did you take time to embrace before parting ways, or did you forget to even say goodbye?

Most importantly, were you up to date with each other—no unfinished business, no unexpressed appreciation, no "I love you's" left unsaid?

you don't have to wait for illness or death to help you grow.

As long as you're here, it's not too late to use the Four Things to clean up unfinished business and breathe new life into your relationships. Don't wait. Connect with those you care about and speak from your heart: I love you...I forgive you...please forgive me...thank you. These are the four things that matter most.

-CAT SAUNDERS