You

At work I see about 300-600 people each day, about 80 of those people actually stop and listen to what I have to say. Lately, I have been learning how to talk to those people, make conversations with these complete strangers, get to know them a little bit. Most of them I don't remember. In fact most of them I forget as soon as they walk away. But there are a few that stick out in my memory. Why?
Because they were different. Because we connected a little bit. Because they taught me something.


Since I have come to NZ I have met so many people. Uncles, aunties, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins. Uncles, aunties and cousins that aren't really my uncle, auntie or cousin. Each time I go to a new place there are new neighbors. Each new ward brings new people, new friends, more names to look up on facebook. Some of these people I will never see again. Some of them I will. Some I have forgotten about, but some I will remember forever. Why? 
Because they were different. Because we connected a little bit. Because they taught me something. 


So this post is dedicated to those people. The people I knew for 5 seconds. 5 minutes. 5 hours. 5 months. I don't remember all your names. But you made an impact on my life, you taught me something. I may not remember you, but I will remember what you taught me. 
The truth is, some of you deserve a whole post dedicated to telling the world how wonderful you are. But I can't do that. I hope you understand. Some of you made such a huge impact on my life. I could even say some of you changed my life. I think about you often. More often than is usual for the amount of time I knew you. But I just wanted to say thank you. Because you made me who I am.


You taught me to walk a mile in someone else's shoes first
You taught me to go for my dreams
You taught me to not be scared
You taught me how to cheer someone up
You taught me to look for ways I can serve
You taught me to be proud of who I am
You taught me to never compromise my beliefs
You taught me that I am strong enough
You taught me to smile
You taught me to laugh
You taught me to love
You taught me to let go
You taught me embrace the future


So here's to you. Thank you