For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a habit of waking up in the middle of the night with a serious case of the munchies. For years, I would quietly make my way to the kitchen and snack on whatever was within reach—cookies, cereal, toast with peanut butter, cake… you name it. My wonderful wife eventually convinced me that this wasn’t the wisest routine—especially as we get older! Well, Monica has been out of town for a few days, and for old time’s sake, I found myself reliving that old habit. I woke up, made my way to the fridge, and satisfied those midnight cravings. Afterward, I went back to bed. The next morning, though, I woke up with a stomachache. Of course, I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t the peanut butter toast, potato chips, and Gatorade from a few hours earlier—it had to be allergies or something else entirely!

Encouragement and Accountability

That little experience reminded me of something bigger: how important it is to have people in our lives who help us stay grounded. People who encourage us to do better and hold us accountable in the areas we often overlook—like late-night snacking or bigger life choices. Encouragement is something we all need. It lifts us up and reminds us we’re not alone in what we’re going through. But just as important is accountability—having someone who can say the hard things when we need to hear them, even when it’s uncomfortable. The balance between the two can strengthen not only our personal growth but also our relationships.

Powerful Closures: Leaving a Lasting Impression

I’m lucky to have a partner who brings that balance into my life—who encourages me to be the best version of myself while also calling me out when I stray from what’s good for me. Honestly, I didn’t love it during the “weaning” phase of breaking my late-night habit, but that stomachache reminded me she was right! In life, we really have two options: go it alone and hope we make the right calls, or surround ourselves with people who care enough to support us—and challenge us when needed. When we isolate ourselves, we miss out on mutual encouragement, real conversation, and meaningful connection. When we connect with others who share similar values and goals, we all become stronger.

So here’s something to think about:

• Who in your life encourages you?
• Who holds you accountable?
• And just as important—who are you encouraging or supporting right now?

We all have opportunities to build meaningful connections with the people around us. Sometimes it just takes slowing down, paying attention, and being willing to both give and receive support.