What matters in life

It's 1:18. I'm listening to the sound of light rain as I put my thoughts onto (digital) paper. I need to wake up in less than 6 hours, and even though sleep is one of my main priorities, right now, it's completely meaningless.

Peace

I feel humbled and at peace. I had a really long day full of adventures. Some were bad, most were good. Life is truly beautiful. It's even more beautiful when you can share it with others. Every person you let into your life gives you a unique piece of theirs. It changes you, shapes you. In the end, we are a sum of people closest to us. Life is often hard and everyone has something that troubles them, steals their sleep at night. In hard moments we value and appreciate those who help us. I know that I would do everything in my power to help them out of a bad situation too.

Sometimes a small thing can do wonders. Even a small mouse can move mountains – slowly but surely, over time. The butterfly effect. In today's digital world a personal touch, feel, contact is more important than ever. Appreciate it. Develop it. Encourage it. Share it.

A random conversation with a stranger

Last year in September, a woman at work completely changed my perspective on life. I still don't know how or why she chose to tell me her story, we had only known each other for 30 minutes as I helped her with some computer issues. If it wasn't for that, we probably wouldn't have ever met.

I mentioned something along the lines of handing in my two weeks notice a few days before and how the future felt a little uncertain for me, but at the same time I believed it was the right thing to do.

The story

She reassured me about my future and then shared her life story with me. That story changed my view on life. She went through hell and back, multiple times. She never gave up and still, today, she's fighting. Finding positive things in her life, staying strong when most people would have given up years ago. Her story is not mine to share, so I won't go into any details.

I was listening to her story and I was just in shock. I stayed silent, I didn't know what to say. Tears started running down my face as she finished with her story. I still remember her words and I know I will never forget them. Whenever I feel sad, whenever I feel down on life, I remember this amazing woman and her incredible story. This powerful woman that shines with her energy despite every bad thing life throws in her path. And what she shines with the most is her love. Her giant heart that still has so much space for love, despite all the void left by tragic events of her life.

»Love is the only thing that matters in life. Remember this.«

I will forever carry her words with me and share all the love I can.