A Rare Gem Isn’t So Rare, If You’re Always Looking Out for Them
I think of a “rare gem” as being a person who is special for many reasons. Perhaps you know someone who always lights up your day with their smile and words of kindness and encouragement. This is how I define a rare gem in my life experience.
Every so often, you meet someone who seems to sparkle a little differently. Not because they’re loud, flashy, or always in the spotlight—but because of how they show up in life and how they care about others. I call these people rare gems. I’m always looking out for them, and when I find another one I joyously nurture the relationship.
Like a gem hidden deep in the earth, their value isn’t always obvious at first glance. But once you notice, you can’t help but feel grateful to have discovered them.
What Makes a Rare Gem?
To me, a rare gem is someone who:
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Shows up when it matters most—often without being asked.
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Sees you not just for who you are, but for who you’re becoming.
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Offers kindness in moments when the world feels unkind.
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Makes life lighter, brighter, or simply more bearable in ways that words can’t quite capture.
It’s not about grand gestures or perfection. It’s often found in the little things—a listening ear, a steady presence, a small act of thoughtfulness that leaves a lasting imprint.
The Stories That Stay With Us
I think about the friend who once showed up at my door with a favorite meal when I was overwhelmed and exhausted, expecting nothing in return. Or the mentor who believed in me before I believed in myself. Or the quiet neighbor who always takes the time to check in with those who live alone, or me when I’m home alone.
These aren’t headlines. They’re the quiet, steady acts of care that tell you: you matter. And those stories stay with us long after the moment passes.
Who Are the Rare Gems in Your Life?
As you read this, I invite you to pause and think about your own rare gems. Ask yourself:
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Who answers your call no matter the hour?
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Who notices when you’ve gone quiet and checks in?
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Who brings out the best in you without even trying?
The Rare Gems in My Life: Michael, Kathryn, and Ryan
When I think about the rare gems in my life—the people who continue to remind me of the beauty of genuine care and presence—three names always rise to the top: Michael, Kathryn, and Ryan. Each of them shines in their own way, and together they’ve taught me more about kindness, consistency, and what it truly means to show up than I could ever have learned alone.
Michael: The Steady Anchor
Michael has an extraordinary gift for presence. No matter how busy life gets, he somehow always makes time to check in. A quick text, a thoughtful phone call, or just a simple, “How are you holding up?”—these small gestures arrive exactly when they’re needed most. He doesn’t wait for a crisis to care; he makes caring a daily practice. For me, Michael has been that steady anchor who reminds me that even on the hardest days, I don’t have to carry life alone. For others, he shows up in quiet, practical ways—helping a neighbor fix a leaky faucet, offering a ride to someone who’s stuck, or lending a listening ear without judgment. His reliability is his rare gem quality: he is someone you can always count on.
Kathryn: The Quiet Light
Kathryn has a warmth that immediately makes you feel seen and valued. She has the rare ability to notice the unspoken—the tired eyes, the hesitation in your voice, the pause before you say, “I’m fine.” With me, she has a way of asking just the right question that opens the door to honesty and relief. She doesn’t push, but she gently encourages, reminding me of the strength I sometimes forget I have. For others, Kathryn is the friend who remembers birthdays, who shows up at hospital waiting rooms with coffee, and who volunteers her time where it matters most. Her rare gem quality is empathy—the kind that doesn’t just sympathize but actively makes life gentler for everyone she meets, and helps me to look forward to the future.
Ryan: The Spark of Possibility
Ryan is the rare gem who always brings energy, ideas, and optimism to the table. He’s the one who reminds me that dreams are meant to be pursued and that setbacks are simply stepping-stones. Whenever I’ve doubted myself, Ryan has been quick to say, “Why not you? Why not now?” His encouragement isn’t empty cheerleading—it’s backed by his own example of living fully and generously. For others, Ryan is the person who offers mentorship, who shares opportunities instead of hoarding them, and who lights up every room he enters with contagious enthusiasm. His rare gem quality is inspiration—he helps people believe in what’s possible, even when they can’t yet see it for themselves.
We all have these rare gems in our lives. Sometimes they’re lifelong friends, sometimes they’re family, and sometimes they’re people who pass through our lives briefly but leave us changed forever.
Why They Matter
Michael, Kathryn, and Ryan are very different people, yet together they represent what makes life meaningful: steadiness, empathy, and inspiration. They remind me every day that rare gems aren’t just precious because they’re hard to find—they’re priceless because of the way they make others feel valued, encouraged, and cared for.
I’m grateful beyond words that these three gems continue to be part of my life. And I share their stories as a reminder that we all have rare gems around us—if we’re willing to notice them, cherish them, and maybe even strive to be one ourselves. Our lives unfold through stories, and the rare gems in my world have become the fabric of my life and the stories I love to share.
The Power of Recognition
Here’s something I’ve learned: rare gems don’t always know how much they mean to us. Too often, we assume they do. But a word of appreciation, a note, or a simple “you matter to me” can be more valuable than we realize.
Maybe the most powerful thing we can do is not only treasure the rare gems in our lives, but also let them know.
Becoming a Rare Gem Yourself
And here’s the secret: you have the power to be a rare gem for someone else. It doesn’t require wealth, fame, or extraordinary talent—just a willingness to show up with care, consistency, and heart.
In a world that can feel noisy and self-centered, those who choose to live with quiet compassion and genuine presence are the ones who truly make life shine.
The world doesn’t need more polished stones; it needs more rare gems. Perhaps the rarest gem of all is realizing that we can all choose to be one.
I’m bestselling USA Today and Wall Street Journal author Connie Ragen Green. My goal is to help at least a thousand people to reach six-figures and beyond with an online business for time freedom and passive income and to simplify your life. Come along with me, if you will and let us discover how we may further connect to achieve all of your dreams and goals. This is also why I want you to think about living in the moment and becoming one of the entrepreneurs who travel. Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you.
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