I have many, many experiences in my life that have shaped who I am today….I feel, that sitting here today, in front of my Chromebook, typing this in, that I am finally back to being the person I was meant to be. The person who cares deeply about other human beings; is compassionate and empathic to those who are less fortunate and/or suffering with a diagnosis, loss, grief, despair, loneliness, or lack of meaning and purpose to their lives.
I am back to being the happy-go-lucky guy I was when I won the first and only “Happy Guy Award” in 8th grade. I am back to having a great sense of humor, able to laugh at a moments notice and share in the laughter of others. I am back to wanting the best for others and to love to see others learn, grow, and succeed. I am back to pursuing the goals, dreams, and desires I set out for myself when I was young – to change the world and make it a happier, more compassionate, and caring place.
I am back to experiencing each and every day of my life as if it were my last, showing up for others, stepping out into nature, displaying gratitude, and making a difference in the lives of those I meet each day. I am proud of the person I have become, that I have been challenged with some horrific experiences in life (homelessness, a nasty divorce, parental alienation, severe mental illness, psychiatric hospitalization, bankruptcy, and tremendous loneliness) only to now be writing this piece today (1/16/2021) to say I am proud to be here, (hopefully) shining a light in someone’s window and saying “I am here to listen and help”.
I am proud that I have gone through the fire, stayed strong and resilient, and came out the other end – more whole, more loving, more compassionate, and more in tune with who I really am down deep to my core. I am a person who displays strength of character, honesty, compassion, and deep empathy towards others who have travelled (or are travelling) down a dark pathway. I am “showing up” for others as my ideal self and that is what I am most proud of.
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