A lot of people describe life as a journey, which is right, but what gives meaning to the journey is not just about the destination, but also about the people you meet on the way. Everyone you meet, every encounter you have with them, whether it is brief or long-term, will definitely leave a mark on you. This is one of the reasons you need to value the people you meet on your journey of life, because they will definitely not be there eternally. Everyone you meet or cross paths with may serve one of two purpose; either for a reason, or for a season. But whichever case it is, learn to value them. ![pexels-mikhail-nilov-9301860.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRYvKzHQ2pgEEwDFDRLN2A4e43uPDKHTthLQMuvG6Aa7Q/pexels-mikhail-nilov-9301860.jpg) _{Image from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-shaking-hands-9301860)} The truth is that as you move through various phases of life, people will come into your life or leave your life. Some may stay for a long time, and may even become part of your decisions, while others may just be for the moment. Yet the lessons they passed on can last even beyond their presence. This is why you should not take any relationship with people for granted. What you have to understand is that the people you meet play a role in your life, whether you realise it at that time or not. Some people make the mistake of taking friendship or acquaintanceship for granted, thinking it will always be available, but life does not work that way. Circumstances and situations can change, people can change location, or maybe be faced with challenges that can pull them away from you. So you see, it may even be life itself that creates the distance between people. Most times, it is when these people are no longer available that you will begin to see their true worth. At the moment, you may begin to miss them, and may begin to wish for an opportunity for the conversations you never had with them, the appreciations you never showed them, and the moments you would have shared with them but did not. By then, you will realise that not all opportunities will come again. This is why, any opportunity you have to meet people, you should value their presence in your life because they will not remain eternal. It is worthy to note that valuing people may not even require some very massive gestures. It can even be something as little as giving them listening ears, showing appreciation, giving them support or helping hand, and being present for them when they need you the most. Do you know that a simple "thank you" you tell someone can make them feel valued, or spending time with them can actually make them feel part of a community that cares? These acts may look small, but they can help to build connections between people, and also make your life better. ![pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668838.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmToBSfqCKKNBTib8cK9uwR1iW4oZAMae3XzQ1zzn987Sf/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5668838.jpg) _{Image from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/multiracial-colleagues-shaking-hands-at-work-5668838)} You have to understand that not all friendship should last forever, some can just be for a season, but it is still for a reason, which is totally okay. You have to know the reason why people come into your life. Some may come to teach you lessons, like patience, kindness, resilience, or even self-respect. Once you understand this, you will realise that no one is useless. You may say that there are people who are not good influence. Well, that is true, but they are not completely useless, because they can teach some very vital lessons in life. When you begin to value the people around you and the people you meet on your life's journey, your perspective about life will change. It will make you to be more present, more appreciative, and more intentional with your time and your energy. You will begin to understand that success is not necessarily measured by achievements, but also by the quality of friendships and relationships you have built over time. You cannot predict life, neither can you tell how long someone can remain in your life. This is why the best time to show appreciation is now. Let people know what they mean to you. Create time for the people you care about. Treat the interaction with people as something that matters, because it actually matters. ***Thanks for reading***

Peace on y'all

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