Thank you to the people who never gave up one me, even when I had given up on myself a while ago.
Thank you to the boy in middle school who no one ever understood. I remember you became my first real friend. You taught me not to care if they mocked, made fun of, or hurt you. You showed me how to love myself and appreciate every little talent. Your countless dance videos motivated me to post my singing videos no matter how awful, because it didn’t matter what other people thought, but rather how accomplished and happy doing those things made me feel. Because of you, every time I perform, no matter the art, my heart is happy.
To my mom during high school, thank you for putting up with my endless bickering, bitchiness, and horrible attitude. You showed me that giving people your best when they are at their worst doesn’t make you any less of a person. In fact, it lets you teach others that sometimes a little kindness can go a long way. You taught me that I was more than any sickness, disorder or imperfection and that labels were degrading. No matter how many times I fought, yelled and ignored you, you always listened, waited, and welcomed me with your love. Because of you, I grew to be a more understanding and self-accepting person.
To my special one I’ve found in college, thank you for showing me I am capable of so much more than I could ever imagine. You made me realize that I am worth something and that there is a future I can look forward to. You understood me before I could understand myself. You helped me set goals that I am scared yet extremely excited to reach. Countless times you took my tears of anxiety and turned them into hopeful smiles reminding me that with each down in life, there is an up. Because of you, I am able to look ahead onto things I had only dreamed of before.
To my best friend in college, thank you for sticking by me through every mistake, regret, and unfortunate situation. You’ve showed me that being comfortable in my own skin is the most important thing. You make me laugh ‘til I cry, and then some. You taught me that life is too short to be concerned but that if anything comes up, you will be there to help me through. Because of you, I take more moments in the day to smile and joke around rather than letting the stress of life overtake me.
We all have people to thank. Whether people come or go is not always as important as the lessons that they leave with us. May your journey be filled with revelations, love, laughter and the right amount of tears.
