"I love you are 3 simple words that make one powerful statement. However one of the best feelings in the world isn't just when that sentence is said but when it's actually meant...and you can feel it. Those relationships are the ones that change our hearts into better people." -may 2014
Over the past week I've gotten the chance to see a friend I haven't seen in roughly 8 years and another at least 12-13 years. Both interactions I enjoyed highly and reminded me how much I appreciate the people still in my life that knew me when I was younger. Now we're adults with careers and it's amazing how much time has changed things, but in some respects hasn't. There is a greater respect I believe that comes over time. We've come across similar struggles, all 3 of appreciate where life has taken us and see how much us moving across the country has benefited us. It's nice when others see the benefits that many at home don't ever fully understand.
I recently had a lunch meeting with a great friend I've known over the past few years. He helped me accomplish a surprise for another friend in my life who is going through a tough situation. He mentioned how he was supposed to go out of town that morning but continued to sleep through the day instead. When I called to see if he could pick up a package for me since I was out of town, he simply asked where to go, what to do and he'd text me once it was done. He told me that it made him take a look at how he treats his friends and how he appreciated the gesture I was sending to someone else. Those are the types of people we all need in our life and that's why I try to be the same.
Every day I say I love you...even if its just to Hudson. I want to remember at the end of the day I have something/someone to be grateful for...even if its just my dog. For every act of frustration, I try to counter it by doing a nice gesture for someone else. Some days are unbelievably hard, some are amazingly easy...but I want to keep it balanced as best as possible. If you just take 30 seconds to be grateful vs bitter, it can change the entire outlook of your day.
Surround yourself with people who make your soul joyful, with people that inspire you to be a better person. I look at the people I currently have in my life and they challenge/help me in so many areas...all for the positive. They remind me that its OK to say I'm not OK and open themselves up for help when it's needed. When your in a tough spot you find out who your friends are and who they aren't. Sometimes that can be a tough pill to swallow, but its a realization that needed to happen.
All week I've received texts/emails/letters from many of you thanking me for being your friend. I've saved them all, screenshot them and printed them out. They'll soon be on my fridge, that way I can see those words of encouragement on my not so great days. Invest in the people that invest in you. Love them, cherish them and genuinely enjoy them. They are the ones that have the patience to deal with us, no matter what the situation. There is no judgement, just kindness.
I challenge you to say I love you at least once a day, and really mean it. Make sure who your saying it to really hears it. Remind them how much value they hold and that they make a difference to you. Pay it forward because God is there, cleaning up the mess that Satan made. Show kindness and fogiveness, because all of us need both. Be the type of friend that you want your friends to be towards you. Have those conversations and even say that. Someone who doesn't know how to express their emotions need to be shown how.
Time doesn't heal wounds, grace, forgiveness and love does. Life gets messy, however, keep those around that don't mind walking through that mess with you. I don't say I love you until I'm at the spot that I genuinely mean it. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate you, it just means that when I say it I want it to have value...not just be words thrown out there. I've been a hugger my whole life and I refuse to give lackluster hugs because I think they express how your feeling without needing to say it. A bad hug is like a limp handshake lol. Just take each day as it comes and remember your life does matter.
