I was thinking today about what my strengths and gifts are...and let me tell you there are a lot hahah just kidding. The one that I think really makes me the most successful in life and with people is my golden tinted glasses that I see this world and the people in it through. I can thank my mom for the example and then God for the gift :)
When I meet and work with people, regardless if I am friends with them or that I really don't care to be, I can find or have already noticed something admirable about them. We started calling these RQs this spring thanks to a dear friend...Redeemable Qualities!
I've found that it's much easier to name a redeemable quality than it is to judge someone. Every now and then someone will say something negative about someone-even if I don't like them- I will catch myself saying something like "but they are...." or "at least they do..." I dunno, maybe in some cases it's making excuses for people that are evil, but I look at it as I am choosing to see them in their best possible light.
Now don't get me wrong, there is always that saying that your greatest strength can also be looked at as your biggest weakness...yea maybe. Maybe it's caused me a little pain when a real rotten apple continues to hurt me, even though they have some hidden RQs, but I really wouldn't change it. I think people can tell when you truly appreciate them and what they bring to this world...especially when you can acknowledge it. I actually kind of love it, when I can tell I've made someone's day a little better...it's simple.
Now if you think of people in your life, whether close or not, can you really not think about something you like, appreciate or even adore about them, what they do or how they treat people?
Try it...it works and I promise it helps with positivity, optimism and even a little happiness.
I fell in love with you through music, the words and feelings we didn't yet know how to express were so eloquently captured and poured into our ears and hearts. This I think sums it up for me, you played me Jack Johnson Angel and these lyrics will forever be in my heart- and in that moment I knew that you understood me.
"Your so busy changing the world
Just one smile you can change all of mine
We share the same soul"
Today, I so happy how far you and I have come, it's been quite the journey so far...hit some pretty good bumps, but with you right next to me, even the dark times seem full of sunlight and joy. No matter where we are in life, where we live, where we work, I know that my soul has found its perfect match, and we can conquer any situation. I am so thankful for every day I spend with you. So grateful that God has so carefully placed you in my life. So proud of you and to be your partner. So ecstatic for our future, but so content with our present.
You are my love, my everything and every beautifully written song can almost capture how strongly I feel about you.
Happy birthday Derik Marshall, thank you for being the most amazing person I know, my number one fan, and my wonderwall. I love you with everything I have!
XOXO
