A Work In Progress

I am convinced that cool (Texas) nights are meant for good books, back porches, cozy blankets, and twinkling lights. Tonight as I spent the evening finishing my book, listening to The Killers, I found my thoughts wandering.

This week, I have had a particular friend on my mind, for reasons that I don't really understand and cannot really explain. Because of that, I spent a little bit of time looking at this person's profiles on social media and right as I was about to click off, I came across something that made my heart both hurt and smile. 

In a world where social media often presents the world with our best selves, this person opened up about things that they were struggling with. They were vulnerable and real and courageous. What they expressed that they were struggling with made my heart hurt, partially because I hate to see them struggling and suffering, and partially because I identified with some of what they said. However, my heart couldn't help but smile because of the strength and tenacity that it demonstrated. I am not sure why they have been on my mind, and honestly they would probably be weirded out by this whole thing, but I wish I could just give them a hug. And if they were sitting on this back porch with me tonight, this is what I would tell them:

"Wow! I am constantly amazed by you. I know you may not feel this way at times, but people are lucky to have you as a part of their lives, I am for sure.

Regardless of who you are and what you have experienced in your life, you have a story to tell. I believe this wholeheartedly and have spent my life fascinated by the lives of those around me. You have a story, and regardless of what you may think, it is beautiful and interesting because it tells me how you got to where you are in your life. I am intrigued by you and your story because I feel that it has a special impact on those you interact with. You leave them better off than you find them, I have seen it time and time again. 

From the moment that I met you, I remember thinking "this person has the potential to change lives and they do not see it. They do not know how great they are, and if only they did, they would move mountains." I wish that I could grab you by the shoulders and shake this into you haha. I wish I could show you what others see when they look at you, because I know it is different than the way that you see yourself. You are so much more than you realize.

I am in no ways perfect, in fact I am far from it, but one of the biggest blessings in our lives is that it is okay to not be perfect. Coming from someone who has struggled (and continues to do so) with not wanting to let people down, this is definitely easier said than done, but at the end of the day it rings true.

Here's the thing: things can be scary and still be good. You can feel lonely, even when you have people who love and support you. You can be a mess, and still be happy. And boy am I grateful for this, because otherwise I would be miserable, all of the time.
So if or when you feel lost or alone, when you feel like you need a friend but don't want to be a burden, when you are overwhelmed at the "work in progress" part of your life, know that I am here. And that is not going to change.

As much as I wish that I could, I cannot fix all of your problems or take your struggles away, but I can listen.

So when you're ready, I will be here.

Tell your story.

Much love,

Ky"