Walter Green’s TEDx talk, “Say It Now—The Power of a Living Tribute,” was more than just an inspiring message—it challenged people to speak from the heart, to express their deepest appreciation for the individuals who have profoundly shaped their lives. Green’s message is simple yet urgent: express gratitude while you can, before it’s too late.
During his TEDx speech, Green asked a question that resonated deeply with his audience: Why wait? Why do so many of us delay sharing the words that could uplift someone, offer closure, or strengthen a connection? For Green, the regret of unspoken gratitude is personal. His journey to founding Say It Now was sparked by his own reflections on missed opportunities to acknowledge the people who had made a significant impact on his life. He came to realize that the moments we often regret the most are the ones in which we failed to let someone know how much they meant to us.
“Don’t assume you have time,” Green told the audience, encouraging everyone to take immediate action. For Green, expressing gratitude isn’t just about kindness; it’s about enriching the lives of others by sharing the appreciation we often keep inside. His message is as simple as it is profound: relationships are the cornerstone of our lives, and expressing gratitude for those relationships should never be postponed.
At its core, the Say It Now movement isn’t about casual “thank yous” or fleeting acknowledgments. It’s about creating deep, meaningful connections through genuine expressions of gratitude. Green emphasizes that it’s not just about recognizing someone for a single moment—it’s about recognizing the ongoing, sometimes quiet ways in which others help shape our lives. Whether it’s a mentor who offered guidance during a difficult time or a friend who supported you through a personal challenge, Say It Now is about telling those people how much they’ve contributed to who you are today. “Relationships matter,” Green says. “Close relationships are a treasure.”
The impact of the movement extends far beyond personal relationships. Green is quick to highlight how gratitude has profound ripple effects, benefiting mental health, overall well-being, and even workplace culture. Research has shown that gratitude strengthens interpersonal relationships, improves emotional health, and fosters positive environments. In workplaces, leaders who express appreciation create teams that are more engaged, collaborative, and motivated.
Say It Now encourages us to break the cycle of postponement and to take action—whether that’s by writing a letter, making a phone call, or speaking to someone face-to-face. By doing so, we create a cycle of intention and acknowledgment. This ripple effect builds a legacy of gratitude, inspiring others to pause and reflect: Who helped me along the way? Who made a difference in my life? Expressing gratitude not only strengthens the connection between you and the recipient but also motivates others to do the same. In this way, gratitude spreads from one person to the next, creating a broader culture of appreciation.
Since Green first took the stage at TEDx, the Say It Now movement has grown into a global initiative, touching the lives of millions. Over two million expressions of gratitude have already been shared through letters, phone calls, social media, and personal interactions. But for Green, the goal is bigger than numbers. The next milestone is to reach 10 million expressions of gratitude, but the ultimate aim is to build a worldwide community where gratitude is a daily practice and human connection is prioritized.
The movement has sparked conversations about the importance of expressing gratitude in all areas of life—from personal relationships to the workplace. Say It Now encourages us to go beyond the surface and reflect on the deep impact people have had on our lives. As Green has said, “It’s not about saying ‘thank you’ for something small. It’s about recognizing those who have played a significant role in shaping who you are.”
The message is clear: don’t wait. Time is fleeting, and the opportunity to express your gratitude may pass you by if you wait too long. By fostering a culture of gratitude, Say It Now is helping to build stronger relationships and create lasting legacies of appreciation. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a simple letter, or a phone call, the time to act is now.
As Say It Now continues to grow, the movement invites us all to stop, reflect, and express gratitude to the people who have shaped our lives. The power of gratitude is transformative—it creates connections, deepens relationships, and enriches both the giver and the recipient. In Green’s words, “Close relationships are a treasure.” Say It Now encourages us all to cherish those relationships, to nurture them, and to let the people in our lives know just how much they matter. It’s a message of hope, connection, and community—and it’s a message that resonates across generations and cultures.
Whether through letters, social media, or face-to-face conversations, Say It Now invites you to be part of a global movement that changes lives—one expression of gratitude at a time. With every word spoken and every message shared, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging those who have made a real difference. And in doing so, we enrich not only their lives but also our own.
Photo Credit
Photo is by Debby Hudson on Unsplash