There are so many people in my life that inspire and delight me on a daily basis, but I never get to thank them for it. I think of various ways to show them what they mean to me or to attempt repaying the favor, but, alas, nothing seems to convey their importance. This great appreciation that I have for these wonderful humans overwhelms me.
Sometimes, to tears.
A very close friend of mine, Sharon, is in the midst of a year long journey to hammer out one mile every single day. Whether that's walking or running, she is committed to this for 365 days! She's just completed day #35, I believe, and I cannot express how thrilled I am to even know her. She has even motivated others in her life to start this same challenge. A true testament to human will power. Naturally, there are days she doesn't want to go outside in the cold, rain, snow, and ice, but does she do it?
YES!
I mean, I get to call this woman my friend. This powerful beautiful woman.
How very lucky am I?
I have another very close friend, Ben, who, unfortunately, just recently learned he has colon cancer. Now, if you've ever met this guy or even ever been in the vicinity of him your life would be better.
There is no doubt.
He lights up a room with his ability and ease to talk to anyone and everyone and really, truly, relate to them. It doesn't matter where you come from or who you are. He, with even just a look, knows you. Really knows you. I think the beauty in all of this is that he wants to know you. It is never forced.
Always genuine.
Always important.
Ten years ago, this past January, I had a life altering surgery of my very own. I was terrified and felt alone and confused and even kind of acted like a bitch. "why me?" etc. and before my surgery, I feel comfortable in saying, I was not a very nice person.
I was not kind.
I was not unselfish.
I was not grateful.
I was not...me.
I had spent the vast majority of my life searching for something that didn't exist.
Approval. Acceptance. Answers.
To look back now and realize it was right in front of me the whole time.
Me.
It was me.
I was the answer. I sought approval, not from my parents or my peers, but from myself. I sought acceptance on my own accord and on my own terms. And, in the end, I was the answer.
Only I.
The loves in my life now help to remind me of this. Remind me how amazing it all is. I look at them and I feel inspired.
I feel...everything.
If I weren't the person I am today then these people would not be in my life. That alone is proof. It's all the proof that I need.
If you surround yourself with positive forces then you too will be a positive force.
I, of course, have bad days. We all do. I definitely still cry from time to time. I definitely still want things I cannot have. I certainly am not perfect and/or preaching.
Tonight, I wrote my dear friends name on my arm in permanent marker and went to the gym.
and tonight, I am simply saying, thank you.
Dear friends, tonight, I thank you.
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