November 6th, 2019: 10:45 AM, 52 Degrees Fahrenheit, Sunny.

So recently I've stumbled upon some revelations stemming from new experiences. The fact remains that we encounter humans on a daily basis, whether it be through work, friendship, relationships, intimacy and casual talking.

What you should realize is that each and every interaction big or small, leaves an impression on you and that other being, and each time you experience something, or have a conversation; there is always a lesson to be taken away. You may not have the right words to sum it up in the moment, but if the conversation or interaction is significant enough, you're going to come back to it. The interaction can be a good or bad thing, but ultimately you have to ask yourself what you can take away from this.

While I don't intend on sharing this experience/interaction with you, I will however share my learning and what I should "take away". I mentioned in my very first article my story of coming out and just how difficult it was, and eventually how I sought help and made it through. I'm truthfully struggling to try and recount this experience with you while not exposing too much detail. However, that's besides the point. Some people can simply feel stuck in their own skin, and DISCLAIMER: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. Just wanted to make that clear.

I've often tried to resort to helping that person develop how they feel, but I realized I simply can't do that anymore. It's become such a heavy burden, that each and every time it occurs, it just ends in despair. You owe it to yourself to be aware of yourself, and how you are going to work on yourself, instead of trying to fix others around you.

I standby the saying "everything happens for a reason". People come into your life and sometimes leave and sometimes stay to teach you lessons. Believe me when I tell you, THE UNIVERSE IS SENDING YOU SIGNS, TAKE THEM! Every single day I wake up, and there's something new; a post with a quote, a gut feeling, an apprehensive feeling, telling me to trust my instincts, and stick to what I believe in and what I value as important, and the people that I value as important. My very recent encounter has lead me to believe that the right person is out there, and now I know how I feel, what I want, what I need, and what I expect in return. Do not devalue yourself, or lower your standards because you feel like something may never happen again. You have a whole life to live, believe me; it'll happen again. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, or this week, or next month, or in the next year. Trust the process in everything you do, your mind is so much more powerful than you think. Your mind is telling you when you're in danger, and when you're safe, and when you can love, and when you can hate. Trust yourself.

To the person I had my encounter with, you are truly amazing inside and out. You came into my life, taught me a lesson, and I'm happy to report you're still around. Never settle for less and always remain true to you. Reach out to me as much as you'd like, but don't you dare forget about me. Ask me questions, question why things are the way they are. Ask me for advice, and ask for my experiences that lead me to the person I am today. I know you'd do the exact same for me, and I'm proud of the person you are today, and the person you will become in the near future.

Best

Steven Press