Life is full of goodbyes. Visit our parents and, before we go home, we say goodbye. We head to work after saying goodbye to our spouse. We drop our children off at college…goodbye. We look in the mirror as we age…goodbye to our younger selves. We sit at the bedside of our family member or friend as they pass from this world…goodbye.

Goodbyes represent difficult times for some people, challenging transitions. But a good goodbye is a wonderful gift to share as we part ways for a period of time. What makes for a good goodbye? What are its benefits? Good question. I want to share three benefits of a good goodbye that I learned in The Gift of Good Goodbyes.

A good goodbye presents the perfect opportunity for remembrance and the expression of gratitude. Remember all the joy shared, the fun times and laughter enjoyed. Thank you for sharing those times with me.

Remember the struggles you navigated together. Thank you for your loving presence, for sharing the burden with me, for navigating the struggles of life together.

Remember our experiences shared, the kindnesses given and received, chores completed, the quiet moments of contentment…and offer thanks as part of the good goodbye. These memories may encompass a lifetime, the week of our visit, or simply a day as I prepare to leave for work. Either way, a good goodbye is the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

A good goodbye offers the opportunity to encourage one another. As your child heads to school, you can include an encouraging word for the day ahead or an acknowledging praise for what has already passed as part of your goodbye. When you do, they will feel valued, their step will be lighter, and their strength enlivened.

When your spouse leaves for work, an acknowledgement of their dedication, hard work, and expressions of love can contribute to a goodbye that sweetens their day. Yes, an encouraging word, an offer of praise, or an acknowledgement of your confidence in the other person will all make for a good goodbye.

A good goodbye also provides a time to ask for forgiveness when necessary. We all make mistakes or say things that have an impact different than we had planned. We inadvertently hurt one another in our anger or carelessness. Repairing these breaches of trust begin with a simple, yet sincere, apology and request for forgiveness. When you find yourself parting ways for the day, clear the air with any needed apologies. If you have to say goodbye for a more extended period of time, ask for forgiveness as needed. As you sit at the bedside of a dying friend or family member, make sure you have forgiven and asked for forgiveness if needed. It will open the door to a lighter heart and a deeper relationship. Forgiveness makes for a good goodbye and opens the door to a deeper hello.

Yes, a good goodbye is a wonderful gift. It takes courage to be vulnerable enough to share a good goodbye, but the dividends are amazing. With that in mind, I say, “Goodbye for now. Thank you for reading my blogs and sharing this time with me. May you and your family grow loving and intimate as you put the ideas of these blogs into practice. May you grow in honor, grace, and celebration. See you next time around.”