For me, Keith Urban never gets old. But lately some of his lyrics have constantly echoed a message that seem to strike a chord in me: "everybody needs somebody sometimes." I have been doing a great deal of reflection on the past couple of years of my life and had an enormous realization about the wonderful people I have been blessed to have known, however long or brief our time together was.
I've been thinking a great deal about my cheerleaders — the people who always seem to be on the sidelines of my life, cheering me on through the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. I think of my mom and stepdad, I think of coaches and teachers, mentors, friends and acquaintances. How blessed I have been to meet people with differences and similarities, that provide a sliver of hope in my darkness, or clarity to my unseeing eye.
One of my biggest life cheerleaders came in the form of an employer who took me under his wing and taught me how to have more confidence in myself and my abilities. He explained that in life, everyone is "winging it," so to speak, and that we all make mistakes, but more importantly we can all succeed if we put our minds to it. He taught me to never settle for "okay" or "passable" when it comes to things that really matter. He supported me when I was on fire and encouraged me when I struggled. I am grateful everyday for all the extra moments off the clock he took to "father" me, to teach me, and to mentor me in several aspects of my life. He never stopped worrying about me and although at times I didn't appreciate it or think I needed his help, I am so grateful for the life lessons he taught me—everything from operating an activity to dating advice. I will always have a special place in my heart for that man.
I think about all of the fine young men I have had the opportunity to date. They taught me so much as well. How to laugh, how to take a glorious moment of breath and capture a priceless memory for a lifetime.How to enjoy the gift of happiness and love and how to share it with someone else. They taught me the importance of sticking to my own standards as well as exploring other's differences. They broadened my horizons in many aspects such as music, food and sports. They taught me how to be more selfless, how to truly love another with charity in my heart and no expectation of receiving something in return. They helped me refocus where my priorities are and help shift some that were off. I owe a great deal to these awesome guys as well.
I think about a friend who has quietly always been there for me. The one who finds themselves offering up insightful advice just in the nick of time to save my day. The friend who never gives up on me, never loses patience with me, and who always seems to spot a rainbow during my personal rainstorm. I am so grateful for their listening ear and kind-heartedness, even when I am acting like a crazy person.
I could write for years about the many people who have impacted my life. I am so grateful for always having a "somebody" throughout my life in whom I can entrust my deepest secrets with, or simply battle my way through during a crazy day of work with. Just like Urban says, "Everybody needs somebody, sometimes".
