People. I think people are a HUGE part of our lives. More than we realize sometimes. Sometimes my mind goes blank. I find myself thinking of absolutely nothing. Almost not thinking at all. Then I snap out of it. And when that happens, it almost feels like I stepped out of my life and then stepped back into it. I know that probably sounds really weird and honestly, it feels weird. As weird as it feels, it’s SO refreshing and necessary for me. I can’t control when it happens, it just kind of happens.
When I “step back into my life”, one of the first things I think about is the people in my life. I have my parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, coaches and so many more. When you think about it, there are SO many people in our lives.
So what’s on my mind right that I want to discuss, people.
We can start with my family. I love my family with my whole heart. Sometimes we get in fights or something happens but at the end of the day, they will always be by my side no matter what. I’m so lucky to have two happy parents who are in love, a loving sweet sister who cares so much about me and a brother. A brother who is pretty funny whether I want to admit it or not. They have each played a huge role in my life and who I am as a person and I’m forever grateful that they will always be in my corner.
I don’t even know who to talk about next!
Let’s go to CrossFit. I just got home from CrossFit, so this is fresh on my mind! I’ve been doing this sport for 6 years. I’m lucky enough to have an amazing coach who believes in me and pushes much harder than I would push myself if I were alone. Like everyone, I’ve had many ups and downs in my life - many have affected my physical abilities. No matter what happens, training is always there. My coach is always there. My CrossFit family is always there, and I can always count on them to make me smile and push me to work harder.
School friends
It’s crazy how much the people you surround yourself with every day affect you. It’s crazy how much you can change by being in one friend group. The people you surround yourself with are EXTREMELY important. The people you’re with every single day shape you, whether you see it or not. I know my friends are there. I know I can go to them for many things. I also know that if someone is making you sad or uncomfortable you need to let loose a little. You need to do what is best for YOU. at the end of the day, if you find yourself crying because of that one girl who’s been mean to you all week then you need to do something.
Camp friends
If you know me, you know camp is just about my favorite place in the whole world. I love just about every single person I meet at camp. Similar to school friends, camp friends shape you. Even if you are there for just 2 weeks, they change you. Who you hang out with determines if it’s in a good or bad way. My camp friends make me so tremendously happy. But I’ve come to realize it’s because I rarely see them. I only get to see the majority of them for 2-4 weeks. That is what makes those relationships so special. At camp, I can also be exactly who I am on the inside. There is no pretending. No faking. I am the real Danielle at camp. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not pretending to be someone I’m not at home, but sometimes it feels like you are being held to a standard. At camp if they don’t like me, well then, they don’t have to hang out with me. Camp relationships are friendships I hope to never lose.
“Other” friends
The reason I put the word other in parentheses is because they are the friends who aren’t camp friends, school friends, or CrossFit friends. Those are the people you just know. From who knows when. People you met who live near you who don’t go to school with you, but you love. Those friendships are also extremely special. Those are the people you can go to and tell just about anything you want. Those are real keepers.
And those are pretty much the groups I wanted to cover. I personally believe that everyone comes into your life for a reason. Whether it’s a long time or not they show up to teach you something. Something about the world or yourself or anything. But when they leave, I believe you are being left with something. Good or bad, they left you with a lesson. I first heard this at camp. The song “For Good” from Wicked the musical describes perfectly what I’m saying.
One of the verses in the song says,
“I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you”
Each person we meet in this life teaches us something. They bring us something. And that person, big or small, had moved a block in your life.
The song goes on to say
“It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So, let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend”
I know I believe this. And as I wrote this I had a person or multiple people in mind for each section. Those people might read this and have no idea it’s about them. Some of those people probably won’t even read this at all. But they have changed me for good. Every single person who has come into my life, whether for a year or just a day, has changed my life.
I would go on to name just a few of the people who have changed me but I think it’s better-left unsaid. They have no idea how big of an impact they have made on me.
Appreciate every single person who walks into your life. Each soul is precious. We are all human. Everyone has something to teach or to learn.
With love,
Danielle