A few days ago I was chatting with an old (completely platonic) friend from college on Facebook. We hadn't spoken in ages, so I was ready for basic chit-chat when out of nowhere he said, "I miss your spirit. You're like a sunny day". I smiled and thanked him for the compliment, but added that I felt a lot of it had been sucked out of me. Truth be told, it often makes me sad when I think about where my free-spirited, happy-go lucky self has gone to. It's actually something I think about quite often these days, and the only thing that usually keeps me afloat is reminding myself that I will be home soon. Anyway, instead of just brushing off this self-depreciating comment, he went on to tell me that my spirit was strong and that in college he had always liked to be around me because he got a bit of "what I was giving off." He even confessed that he had used me as an example in a speech he had given, complete with a picture of me smiling!!! (And my friend, if you read this, I hope you don't mind me sharing it!!!)
As I read his words, tears began welling up in my eyes. Not only was it one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to me, it was completely out of the blue and superfluous. I had no idea I had affected him in this way at all. He could have lived the rest of his life without me ever knowing the impact I had made on him and I never would have been the wiser. But he chose to tell me. One simple little comment, truly made my year and gave me the inspiration I needed to keep going and fighting against the complete suckage of my spirit. He reminded me that somewhere out there people do care about me and I do make a difference in their lives.
In the past few month some of us have brushed elbows with death. It has come creepin' in close to us or into our loved-ones lives. Looking at all of these incidences together, I have begun to feel much more thankful for what I do have in my life, and have tried to stop thinking about all that lacks, especially in a time of such widespread misfortune. It has also been a big reminder for me to take a few moments and share my feelings of love and gratitude with those people who have touched me during my life. I know that you've all heard this quote, but I love it and think it properly sums up the point I'm trying to express:
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
-Brandi Snyder
My friend gave me so much more than I'm sure he even realized with our Facebook chat. He was self-less and giving, and I think we could all stand to be a little more like him - not because we should, it being the holiday season and all, but because we can.
Documenting our Days: Indiana Dunes
8 years ago
7 comments:
This is so sweet, but he obviously doesn't know you well! SIKE! I love your spirit. Your a wonderful friend and sister. Thank you for sharing this and reminding us to all be more self-less and let people know how much we care. Like you, it could really lift someone's spirit and remind them of how wonderful they are.
So well said Sarah! I can only imagine you full of spirit and happy, so it's amazing to hear you feel it's been sucked out of you. On the other hand, I COMPLETELY know how you feel as I miss my old spunky self on so many days too. Take care and thanks for the story!
It's hard to be free-spirited and worry free when you have a baby to worry about, but I think you pull it off beautifully! I know how you feel- I sometimes wonder where my old self went, but I really do feel like the last few years have made me better as a person (my abs being the exception). I love reading your blog- you come across as so positive, happy, and eager to learn and grow as a person.
That is such a great story, Sarah! It's so true how hearing something like that can completely turn around your outlook and inspire you to keep going. Off subject, but I want a post on Baby Gouda!
I love this story! It is so true...and just what I needed. Thank you for sharing and reminding us about the little things in life that can make a such a difference.
This post hits me in multi layers. It is how I feel about my job. The enthusiasm I once felt has been sucked out of me. Someone who has the energy and outlook that I had ten years ago needs to step into my position. It also describes how I have felt in getting older and how having grandchildren makes getting older worth it. I think it should remind all of us to share our admiration when someone affects our lives in a positive fashion as your college friend shared with you. It also reminds me of the quote that goes something like "I wish I could be the person my dog thinks I am". Your spirit is in there Sarah. It is just struggling against homesickness. I also think it might be living in Bella for the time being as she developes her own spirit :) xox
Most of my memories of you include you smiling. You were always excited and laughing about something!
Maybe you had less to stress about when you were 8.
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