Day 187: Good People, Good Friday

Day 187 was Good Friday.

In honor of the day, and the good weather, I decided to focus on the good things in my life, especially the good people.

So Day 187's thing I've never done before was to honor those who make me feel good about myself by sending them thank you cards on Good Friday.

I am fortunate to have a lot of friends like this. My sincere hope is that everyone does. They are the friends who never seem to notice if my hair needs to be cut or if I put on a few pounds or if I've neglected to return their phone calls. They see me through rose colored glasses all of the time.

Some of the people who received these cards included my great Aunt Eileen. She lives in Ohio, so I don't see her very often, but every time I do she makes me feel like both a movie star and a comedienne. I’m still a little upset with her (and my Aunt Betty) for picking up the throwaway bouquet from my brother’s wedding and shoving it into my hands so that I might be the next girl to get married, but she was so hilarious about it, it was hard to be really mad. Her laugh, her hugs, and the fact that she’s funny and doesn’t even know it have all made her a positive force in my life. Plus, I knew she'd be most surprised by the card.

I also sent one to my freshman year college roommate Kimberly, who I think might be the nicest person that I know. She's been making me feel good about myself since high school where we began our friendship. Regardless of what’s going on in her life, she always has time to lend a listening ear. Kimberly is married and has two gorgeous children, so we're definitely in different places in our lives. But when I'm with her, she doesn't make me feel like I'm behind. She thinks I'm right on time.

And another unassuming recipient was my friend and former co-worker Jeremiah. Since traveling the country alongside him working for Country Music Television, I knew we'd be friends for a long time. Something about driving a Ford 350 truck and gooseneck trailer to different fairs and festivals hosting karaoke contests bonds people for life, I guess. Despite not talking to him very often, I consider him one of the most supportive and positive people in my life. He's always in a good mood and always ready to encourage me when I need it.

There were others that I sent cards to, and I could've spent the entire night writing more. Though I didn't have an opportunity to tell everyone on Good Friday how good they are to me, I made a vow to start acknowledging these people instead of focusing (read: obsessing) about the few people who make me feel badly about myself.

Why, I wonder, is focusing on the negative energy so much easier to do?

I don’t know, but it’s time to stop.

This last minute blog decision was a good one. What a good way to spend Good Friday by telling some of the good people in my life how important they are.