Thinking of You!

As I was just sitting here going through my Facebook page it dawned on me that there are more than several people who I haven't heard from in a very long time. Now that I think about it, I'm guilty of not contacting them either! I understand that it is so hard to find time for people, especially those who are close enough to meet for lunch or a cup of coffee. But you don't have to wait until you both have free time to say "hi". Technology is wonderful!

I have found it very disheartening when I make several attempts to contact those who have made an impact on my life but who are too busy to contact me in return. I am a very emotional person and tend to take things the wrong way. If I message someone on Facebook or through email and I don't hear back from them I immediately try to recall what I must have done to upset them. Why won't they talk to me? Did I forget their birthday? Or worse, did I forget to wear deodorant the last time I saw them? I also worry that I'm one of those annoying people that others "pretend" to like to my face but they end up making fun of me behind my back. People who don't "ignore" me have said, "Oh well, who needs them? You know who your 'true' friends are".  I'll tell you who needs them...I do! I have a special place in my heart for everyone I've come in contact with in my life! I have a different memory for each and every one of them! When they chose to "ignore" me or chose not to contact me back I feel a little smaller inside. I've taken the initiative to contact them but they have made no effort in return. This may be one more thing I will just have to deal with in my life. After all, I am the kind of person that wants everyone to be happy and will go out of my way to make it happen for them. I try to be caring and compassionate but in the end I don't usually get the respect I deserve...or need!

I tend to live by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." I try to smile at everyone. I wave when someone let's me in front of them when I change lanes or they let me in front of them when pulling out of a parking lot. I hold the door for others and say thank you when people hold the door for me (which seems to be rare these days). Not many people do the same to me. This is the same as "ignoring" an email or message from someone you consider a friend. It wouldn't kill the other person to just type a couple of sentences to let me know they are still breathing, would it?! I know, I could probably just pick up the phone and call them. But I constantly feel like I am bothering people if I call them. (Plus, I really hate talking on the phone. The awkward silences are horrible!) I just constantly feel like I give and give and get nothing in return. I deserve some sort of recognition, right? I really feel like I'm not worth it to them to even bother typing a couple of sentences. And that's really sad.

I know I'm guilty of doing this...to a point. I love my friends and family. I love being in contact with all my long lost friends from high school, college and previous jobs. It makes my day when I can see what they've been doing with their lives. I know if one of them takes the initiative to speak to me I'll be more than happy to reciprocate the action. They are my friends and friendships should be effortless.

Right now I would like to take this opportunity to say to you...no matter how long we've been friends (or even just acquaintances)...I care about you! I have a special place for you somewhere in my heart. Don't think...even for a second...that I don't care about you especially if it takes me a few days, weeks or even months to speak to you. I think about you all the time. Even if we have barely spoken to each other at all I still care about you. For the family members that I've barely spoken to until recently I say to you...welcome to my life! I'm so thankful for you and look forward to you being a part of my crazy existence! It has been more than a pleasure to be in contact with you!

I really hope you take this "rant" into consideration. The next time you are thinking about someone please take one minute to just type them a quick message! You never know what their life situation might be. You could be making the most important impact in their lives at that particular moment. I know when I feel really down, almost to 'rock bottom', having a note, phone call or message out-of-the-blue can really make my day! Don't just "think" about someone...take the initiative to let them KNOW you are thinking of them! You may be their only hope. Life is too short and very unpredictable. You could actually save their LIFE just by messaging them a quick "hello". Let them know you care about them!  And for those of you who are on the receiving end of these out-of-the-blue messages take a quick second to return the message with a very appropriate "Thank you". Acknowledgment means everything.