COVID Crisis Post 57: Gratitude and Thanks.
I am just sitting on my couch at this moment, staring out onto Central Park on an absolutely gorgeous day, and thinking to myself:
Man, I am grateful.
In these trying times, it can be difficult to focus on all the good in our lives, but trust me, there is still SO much good.
Make a list of all the things you are grateful for if you do not believe me.
Go on. Try it. Remove the negative energy enveloping you and really give it a go.
You will likely surprise yourself at the length of that list.
I am most grateful for the numerous relationships I have formed, and for all the love people in my life have showered upon me, both in the past and in the present.
I initially attempted to name every individual person I am grateful for, but ummmm, the list I made became ABSURDLY long so yeah, attempt aborted 😅.
So just know this. I appreciate you.
Whether it has been through a message of encouragement, a singular act of kindness, or numerous instances of support, I have felt each one and thank you for it.
One thing I learned at the age of 17 is you will never know the full impact you have made on the world, on others. And I learned this from a fellow 17 year old.
I wanted to share the message a friend of mine, Kristin, wrote in my senior high school yearbook. It is a quote that still resonates with me more than 20 years later, and one whose essence I have never forgotten. Since my mom is not able to figure out where she put it 🤦🏽♂️🤣🤷🏽♂️, I will do my best to capture the essence of it which still resonates in my heart.
To paraphrase:
"There were many days I struggled with my emotions, of feeling down, where I felt alone. And then I'd see you running down the hall, doing something goofy or screaming something silly, and I would laugh. You did not know it at the time, but there were many days where you helped me get through it. So thank you for being you."
This.
To all those who have supported and encouraged and loved me throughout my life,
Thank you for being you.
Never underestimate the impact you make on those around you. I do not take it for granted, and I do not take any of you for granted.
So do not take yourself for granted. Your impact on this world, on others, is greater than you will ever know.
Collectively, with one another's love and support, we will get through this. No matter how many others languish in negativity.
Cuz let's be honest: haters gonna hate.