On feeling special

I'm not quite sure at what point in my life I decided that making people feel special was something I was going to try to do with anyone I have come across and cared about. I'm not even sure if I even do it. The main thing I want to do is make the people I love realize how much they are loved, because a lot of times I might not be the closest person to them, but I want them to realize that without even knowing every aspect of them, I love them, I think they are beautiful and that they are a wonderful contribution to this world. I have realized I have this philosophy that if you expect nothing but the best from people, they tend to rise and meet that standard and more times than not, exceed it. We have such a large capacity for love and loving, yet, we are stunted by the superficialities and feelings of hurt in which we don't know how to properly express. I understand that, I find myself judging or saying something not so nice based off of feelings that were hurt, or from a place of misunderstanding. It's really hard to always be kind and positive when you feel misunderstood, alone, or judged. It really is. Defense mechanisms begin surfacing.

I have a group of girls in which I think of as sisters, they are all slightly younger than myself and I have formed some of the dearest relationships with them. They have opened their hearts up so wonderfully, that to refer to them as a friends would not suffice. When someone allows you into their heart, you can't shrug it off, you should let them know how much you cherish and appreciate them and the fact that they trusted in you. They have faith in you. Growth is not one-sided, I, myself, by being around and listening to the feelings of these ladies have been able to open up in a way I have not realized until recently. When someone is vulnerable and open, how can you not be? There is so much beauty in vulnerability. So, this whole time when I am reaching a hand out to those I love, hoping I can affirm their beautiful hearts, they were the ones that made me feel special. It's really easy to see the worst in people, but when you look at them with nothing but light and love, it's amazing what someone will show you.