My Ramblings: July 2009

MeL did this meme on her blog, and when I saw it I fell in love with it. What an awesome experience to say exactly what you mean to someone, and in a way end up saying it to everyone? I've been thinking of what my 20 phrases would be, and which 20 people they would be to, and in doing so I've realized that some of them, though unintentional, could actually apply to more than one person. And sometimes, both in compliments and complaints, they could just as easily be directed at myself. So, with that in mind, I'm going to do the list of 20 things I haven't said before.

1. I think people, including yourself sometimes, misunderstand you and thinks that you're weak. You're not. I'm constantly reminded that you have a real power inside you that you don't always tap into. I wish you would.

2. It's been interesting watching your journey. I haven't always loved where you've been, but I'm excited about where you are now. I'm glad that I'm more of a player at this point instead of just a spectator. And for all the mistakes you've made, we've both learned a lot.

3. I envy your dedication and stubbornness. If I had a wish for you it would be that you always stay that true to yourself. My second wish would be that you try harder to let people in. But if, at the end of the day, you're happy with yourself and your decisions, then I will always support you.

4. You're so talented. I love seeing the ways you express yourself, and in a way I even love waiting during the quiet times in between, because when you do what you do, it's magic. And you make it seem effortless.

5. Even though I might not ever say it this clearly in person, I am glad to have you in my life. You've taught me that the way to accomplish something is to jump in, and what seems daunting from the outside may be easy once you're in it.

6. There are so many things I love about you. There are so many things about you that make me crazy. You should know that I'll always be here, no matter what happens, no matter what mistakes you make. And I appreciate that you always listen to me, and can make me laugh.

7. I feel like you see the me that I want to be in addition to the me that I am. Sometimes I'm intimidated because I know I'm not living up to everything that I could be, but most the time I feel reassured that you believe in me, sometimes even when I don't.

8. You make me happy. I'm ecstatic that you're in my life. Even though we're new friends, I feel like our souls have known each other a long time.

9. I love that you don't fear being misunderstood. You're not afraid of standing alone or venturing away from the safety net. I wish I could be more like that.

10. You have a quiet stubbornness about you that I don't always agree with, but that I admire. I think I could learn a lot from you, and I'm sure there are ways that I already have, and I wouldn't be the same person if you weren't in my life.

11. You say it like it is for you. Sometimes you're right, sometimes not, but I love that you lay it out there for people to see. It's refreshing to see the games you aren't willing to play.

12. I am amazed by your humility. Though sometimes it has been detrimental, overall I'm impressed with your quiet strength. I think the people in your life are better off and willing to try harder because we know that even if we fail, you will be there.

13. You seem to take things as they come and make the most of the hand you're dealt. And though I think that's a good quality to have, I wish that you would speak out more often when things aren't going the way you'd like. Sometimes you might be wrong in voicing your opinion, but right or wrong, we'd still like to know what you think.

14. I'm proud of you. I really like having you around. You've always been someone I respect and even though I don't like to admit it, your criticism is the hardest to hear because of that.

15. Don't put yourself down. Don't pretend that you play second fiddle and it's okay for you to stay in the shadows. It's what people expect, and it's the one thing standing between you and all you hope to accomplish.

16. I appreciate your support. You picked up where she left off, and she would be proud of you. I love that you always remember what others often forget.

17. You're a force to be reckoned with. You always have been. You make things adjust to you, rather than changing to fit in. Don't let that go out in you. Don't let go of it.

18. You're beautiful and powerful and smart. Please don't downplay it because when you don't recognize it in yourself, it's harder for me to see it in myself.

19. You listen to me. You let me tell you my truth even when it isn't pretty or polished. I've been able to accomplish a lot because I know I have you on my side.

20. When I'm trying to decide if I should take a risk I think about things you've said to me and they always encourage me to do it. Thank you for your support and friendship.