To My Favorite Internet Friend

Hmm…. This one is difficult because I don’t really talk to anyone online much anymore. Maybe one of my twitter homies

Hey, How are you? I know we don’t talk much anymore, just casual small talk on twitter here and there. But we have had fun times over the past couple years. I think you are hilarious! You are a nice guy and I wish you the best. Stay in touch, because your tweets are sometimes my comic relief. Stay a positive person. Talk to you soon.

ME <3

Dear Ex Boyfriend/Love/Crush:

(I’m not going to specify who this is to)

I haven’t written or said anything to you in a long time. And honestly, it’s because I never believed I owed you anything. You put me through a lot. I honestly to this day, have a hard time seeing why I was so wrapped up in you. Except maybe that I always felt the need to be helpful and needed, and you definitely needed my help. But not speaking to you for a long period of time was the best thing that could have happened. Not just because I needed you let go of having me as a crutch, but because I had time to be alone and really figure out what it was that I wanted. I’m sorry it all had to end how it did, but not sorry that it ended. Because judging from the direction you’ve taken, it wouldn’t have gone anywhere anyway. We truly weren’t good for each other, and that’s easy to see now. I hope you’re doing better these days because I truly do wish the best for you. I also hope that you’ve been happy, because I have been. I haven’t even looked back, which is refreshing and and liberating, and I hope you feel better off as well. I’ve through grape vines that you’ve had ups and downs over the years, but I wish you all the happiness in the future. 

Best wishes, 

ME<3

Dear Stranger:

Hello mister, I just wanted to say that I enjoyed seeing your family today. It brought a smile to my face to see a fairly young couple with small children all out together having dinner. Your children weren’t loud or rowdy, or rude, which is a plus for young children these days. I  could also tell from observing that you and your wife have a great partnership. Maybe it’s the family science degree in me but it was refreshing to see parents that know how to parent and that parent TOGETHER. I think the child-rearing techniques that you used on your son were sensible, not too tough but firm. I wasn’t intending to eavesdrop on you guys, but I couldn’t help but notice as I was sweeping up. Lots of positive reinforcement, negative punishment, all of the good things that affect behavior, without violence or spoiling. From the outside anyway, you guys seem to have a very happy, loving family. It was a nice thing to see as I wrapped up my day. Just wanted to share…

ME <3 

To my dreams:

Hmm, this letter is interesting. I really don’t know what to say to you. I know that you are there, and you are becoming more clear everyday. And everyday, I add a little something on to you. But for now, I got you almost figured out. I don’t know exactly how to get to the point of achieving you. And I’m not even sure that I’m there yet, ready for that step I mean. But I know that everyday you come closer to my reach. And I’m blessed to say that I find you entirely conquerable, unless of course you change. But thats fine too! ;-)

To my siblings:

This letter is significant because there is so much I want to say to you guys. I love you all so dearly and I feel like there is so much I’ve always wanted to communicate but never gotten the opportunity to. I only want the best for all of you. I say this because I know that life has not been easy for any of you in your years on this earth. And if I could have prevented the pain that you went through I would have. I wish I could have had more of an influence on all of you guys and I regret not having spent more time with each of you.

#1

My closest. I am saddened by what’s going on in your life right now. I cant stop wondering how you got to the point of bringing such things on to yourself. I want you to know that we all love you, possibly more than you know, and we want you to succeed. I want nothing more but for you to succeed and to be happy. But you have got to stop standing in your own way. I want you to know that I support you , and I’m sorry for the lulls that we have. I wish that I could figure you out, then I could know what to do to help. But until then, I just wish you the best and hope that you know that you always have me and I love you.

#2

I feel like I failed you. I wish the most that I could have spent more time with you. I wish that we were closer and I wish that you would come to me more often. I regret not being a more integral part of your life and hope that one day our relationship will supersede what we have now. But until then I just hope that you find your way in the best way possible. Never regret your mistakes, but always learn from them. Be careful what you say and who you say it to. Be careful with your feelings and emotions, guard yourself but don’t build walls. These are just important pieces of advice I feel a need to share and hope you carry with you everyday. I love you. 

#3

Man, this is weird, because I didnt really get to know you until this past year. And honestly I think you are growing up to be a nice young gentleman. I do wish you would take care of yourself a little better. But otherwise, your protection and maturity is coming in at just the right time. Be sure to continue to take care of mom, because your guardianship is so necessary right now. But please learn to take direction. Listen to those who are older and wiser, without arguing back. Those things are important for you. I love you. 

#4

Now this one is special. I do not talk to you enough at all. And because of the age difference, unfortunately we don’t have much of a relationship. And I wish that we had the opportunity to really get to know each other, because I know there has to be more similarity there than we think. Otherwise, my advice for you is to just enjoy being who you are. Life if supposed to be fun. I know that you have been in a lot of situations that you never asked to be in, But just remember you don’t have to grow up that fast. I love you. 

I just had to make a post about ignorance

Personally, I hate talking to ignorant people. And I’m not referring to slow people, or people that are lacking mental capability. I’m talking about people who are able and competent but choose to not use their brains and/or absorb the vast knowledge that surrounds them. But what I hate more is talking to people who are content in their extreme lack of knowledge.

No don’t get me wrong, I know that everyone does not have the same opportunities to be well rounded, or learn of foreign things. HOWEVER, you can always learn more. And I’m definitely not saying that everyone should be a walking trivial pursuit. But PLEASE be able to have a decent conversation about general topics. I ask that you know a little about current events, media, politics, music, movies, or something. If necessary, pick one that you like and become emerged. I just ask that when you talk to someone else, please have something to say. 

So I’m watching the Miss Universe Pageant with my mom and little brother a while ago. And all of the ladies from various countries are walking around. And some of the countries I recognize and some I’m not familiar with. But one lady speaks and she’s from somewhere like Guatemala, or some commonly known country, at least I thought. And my brother (16) says, that country sounds funny. And I’m thinking, you never heard of (insert country here)? And my mom and I were like, its not even that far away. And then I asked if he had been learning geography in high school or anything like that. And he says no. And then we get into a conversation where I find out that my brother knows very little about the world, including thinking some cities and continents are actually countries. Finally he says, “why I need to know about those places, I don’t live and I’m not going there anyway?”

My heart sunk, as much as I love to travel and want to see as much of the world as possible, this member of my blood line is telling me he has no interest in leaving the country, for any reason. HUH, WHAT, WHY? I can’t fathom. I was crushed, by the whole conversation. Overall, it was very disappointing. Now I don’t mean to single my little brother out, because it’s a cultural thing. A lot of young adults and youth don’t care to know about what they don’t see everyday. And that saddens me, because you never know what is going to happen in life. 

The way I see it, I want to know as much as possible, I want to be able to hold a conversation with anyone. Now, no I’m not interested in everything, but I try to know a varied array of subjects so that I can engage with others. And if I don’t know much about something that someone is talking about, I take that as a chance to learn something new. My ears are always open. My eyes are definitely always open, because I want to see it all. Now I know that everyone is definitely not like me. But, its just discouraging to see young people not want to explore anything past their surroundings, or even to surround themselves with something different. It genuinely makes me sad. Maybe its just the teacher in me…

Hope and Hearts Everyone <3

Dear Parents:

Mom: 

All my life you have been a superhero to me, working hard to make everything come together. There was nothing that you couldn’t do in my eyes. But these last few years have been hard for me. Being older and understanding more about life has brought me to witness what you actually go through. And I can’t believe how strong you are. But more importantly, now I know you also have a weak side. You have become human to me, which may be more extraordinary than the superhero. I can see the things that hurt you, that make you feel insecure, that break you down, and that crush your spirits. Those are some of the hardest things to see. So now I only want to protect you from the pain, like you did for me for so many years. And if I could do anything to take it all away I would. You have always been able to make me feel better and to make me feel safe and I cherish you. We have had some rough patches in the last few years, but nothing is stronger than our bond. And although I may not agree with everything you do or everything you say, I will always love you and support you and I’m always in your corner. You are amazing, you have grown and changed so much and I’m proud of you. You are a beautiful, strong, wise, and charismatic woman and I’m proud to say I get all of my best features from you. Thank you and I love you!

Dad:

Wow, just to witness the change in our relationship in the last few years is a wonderment in itself. I have to say that I’m happy be in this new place. The years without you harbored a void in me that I’ve never realized before. But in the last few years I’ve felt a connection that may have always been present but not really realized. And I have to say I really have enjoyed getting to know you all over again. I must admit that some of the most interesting conversations that I’ve ever had in life were with you and it’s clear that you and I are more similar than one would think. I know I have been extremely difficult at times, but I do honestly respect and appreciate all that you are. You are a truly caring provider and protector for your family and I am honored to be your daughter. I’m happy that I’m not missing out on the wonderful sensitivity, humor and charm that you exude now when it matters the most. I honestly am sorry for the time that we’ve wasted, and am only looking forward to the future. Through it all, what’s most important are the efforts put forth now. And it feels great to come into another year knowing that we are where we should be. I love you and our relationship means so much to me!

Grandpa:

I know you are not technically a “parent” but I don’t know where I’d be without you in my life. You were the only parent that I knew on a day-to-day basis and I couldn’t be more grateful of all that you’ve done for me over the course of my life. You are extremely important to me. Your wisdom, attention, and push to succeed watered the very person that I am today. I am who I am because of you. You have taught me so many things and you blessed me with your knowledge and strong values. I’ve always ever wanted to make you proud. You mean so much to me. And I’m really sad that we have been growing apart now that I’m out on my own. Undeniably, our connection and love are still there, but I don’t get to see you are talk to you as much as I would like. It scares me the idea that you’ll health is not as it used to be. I wish nothing more for you to be the healthy and strong person that I’ve known you to be forever. But realistically, you are in better shape than many of the less fortunate people of your age. But those things are not important, what’s important is that you know what you mean to me and that I express to you in the best words I know the appreciation I have for you taking the time and energy to shape me. I love you, beyond words, and Thank you!

This letter is a bit more difficult because I’m in a relationship, so it took me an extremely long time to think of a current crush so I’m writing a letter to an older one…

Dear Crush:

We’ve known each other for a little while and you’re really cool people, but I’m almost sure that you never knew I had a crush on you. Overall I think you’re just a really good dude and a decent friend. I don’t know you terribly well but we’ve had a hand full of good conversations. You’ve always been pretty funny and sincerely genuine, which are great qualities in a young man. 

So in this letter, I guess I want to mainly wish you the best in life. I know you’ll do fine. You carry yourself well and from what I can tell, are making major moves for the future. Glad to have had a glimpse of your growth over the past few years and I’m proud of you overall. I hope we keep in touch because I’d love to see where you end up. Don’t change, because drive and charm will get you far. Good luck and all the best!

—ME

Dear Best Friend:

Well, where do I start? We have been through it all, years of friendship, tons of firsts for both of us. But honestly, I appreciate you so much because you have been there through everything. Your family is my family and mine is yours. I don’t know if there is anyone on earth that I trust more than you, because who can I honestly say I’ve shared more with? I don’t even think that it’s possible. I would have been a different person if I didn’t have you in my life. I know that we’ve had our dry periods where we didn’t talk much, but we always come back centered. I couldn’t imagine life without you being my best friend, even into our rocking-chair years.

So I just mainly want to tell you the things that I don’t get to say enough. I love you. You have been an outstanding friend to me, and have never let me down. And I truly am honored to call you my best friend. I know you will do great things, and I am so proud of the person that you are. You have handled the most difficult situations in life (if you think about it, you will agree) without the blink of an eye, and you are amazingly strong. I look up to you and I admire you. So thank you. Thank you for being who you are, for being my friend, and for caring when you didn’t have to.

—ME

So, I haven’t written a blog in a LONG time. I’ve just had so many things on my mind these last few days. 

What has really stood out to me over this New Year transition, is the way things change. The way things work out just amazes me. I find that many of the things that have transpired in my life I would never have imagined if I thought about it years ago. It’s amazing to see the people who remain in your life and those that just fade away. After time and tribulations you see who is really there for you, and who those seasonal people are who are not truly invested. You also see what you as a person can deal with, what you can handle. 

And that has been the true thought-wrenching thing in my life lately. Who have I become? Especially after finishing the year and my college career so close together, I have to look up and say “who am I now”? Who am I going to be in a year, two years, three, five? How am I different than who I was two, three, five years ago? So let me take a minute for myself, if you will join me….

What I do know is that I have come a long way (Personally, Spiritually, Emotionally, Academically…) But what is more important is the investment that I’ve made as a person. I’ve truly changed my attitudes and though it happened so fast, I don’t regret any of it. It’s so clear to me what’s really important to me in life and I’m glad that i’m not wasting time on the things that are not. I appreciate the wonderful people that I have in my life, and the various people that no longer are, for you all have taught me some truly important lessons. But most of all, I’m blessed. I’m blessed to have been able to get where I am and to have the opportunity to explore life in the way that I’m able to. 

And as life this year unfolds, and in the years following, I welcome positive, wonderful experiences and fresh, ambitious goals as they come. I welcome new developments in my spirituality, new commitments in my life, new additions to my family, and new outlooks as they arise. I’m proud of where I am, and where I’m headed. So as I turn a new year, I mourn the trials and tribulations of 2010, because Lord knows there where a plenty (moment of silence). But I also learn from them and discard them. Because who wants to carry last year around on their back. Not me!

So here’s to accepting and overcoming new challenges; to becoming the best teacher I can be; to a even better, more fulfilling relationship; to enduring and strengthening familial bonds; and to being the best friend I know how to be. And most importantly to sharing a spreading love far and wide, because every day is a blessing and every year is miracle.

Hope and Hearts <3