Have you heard of Dr. Leo Buscaglia? He was an author, motivational speaker and professor who dedicated his career to exploring the depths of human connection, emphasizing the importance of love. He gained widespread recognition for his passionate and engaging lectures and his most well-known work is the book titled “Love,” published in 1972. I remember it sitting in a basket in my living room growing up. It moved me as a teenager and watching his old lectures continue to move me today. This past weekend I dove deep into his work again.

He challenged societal norms helping people to break free from the constraints that prevented authentic connection. He would shine a light on a society that was too focused on material success daring us to elevate love as the ultimate currency. He would remind us that love is expressed in the small, everyday choices we make – like a warm smile, a kind word, simple eye contact, or as he says, “God forbid a hug!”

He tells a funny story about what we humans do when we are in an elevator and how most of us are afraid to look at each other or engage. We all just stare at the numbers while the elevator moves. He questions…why do we do that? You just never know what that simple smile or nod or hello might bring to someone.

He also said, “Do it now!” Don’t wait. Write that letter. Make that call. Reach out. Touch someone. Wave to a stranger. Speak the truth. Embrace your mortality, because only then can we find the courage to go outside of the box.

During one of his lectures, he also reminds us of the importance of the things we don’t do. He shared this powerful poem submitted by one of his young students. It was during the Vietnam War era.

Things You Didn't Do

by Merrill Glass

Remember the day I borrowed your brand new car and I dented it?

I thought you'd kill me, but you didn't.

And remember the time I dragged you to the beach, and you said it would rain, and it did?

I thought you'd say, "I told you so." But you didn't.

Do you remember the time I flirted with all the guys to make you jealous, and you were?

I thought you'd leave me, but you didn't.

Do you remember the time I spilled strawberry pie all over your car rug?

I thought you'd hit me, but you didn't.

And remember the time I forgot to tell you the dance was formal and you showed up in jeans?

I thought you'd drop me, but you didn't.

Yes, there were lots of things you didn't do.

But you put up with me, and you loved me, and you protected me.

There were lots of things I wanted to make up to you when you returned from Vietnam.

But you didn't.

Don’t wait dear ones. Do it now.

Too often, we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

– Dr Leo Buscaglia

Reprinted from the weekly Power of Love column in the Penobscot Bay Papers.

Joanne LaCurrubba Steenberg is an award-winning columnist whose heartfelt and insightful writing has captivated readers across Penobscot Bay Press publications for years. As the creator of The Power of Love, a widely read column exploring compassion, human connection, and personal growth, she blends personal storytelling, wisdom, and cultural insight in a way that resonates deeply with audiences of all backgrounds. [email protected] 297-266-0225