In the course of one lifetime, the average human being meets roughly about 80,000 people.

80,000 people. How insane is that? I can't even imagine myself meeting that many people who will end up impacting my life, positively and negatively.

I've only been alive for 20 years, but I began to think about the people who have made a profound impression in my life so far. I started to think about the type of people whose personality and characteristics have resonated with me and has stuck with me ever since I've met them.

80,000 people and yet I can only think of a small group of people who I would consider genuinely good people. They would never have malicious intentions towards someone else and in return, I've never heard anything horrible said about them. They have a heart of gold, they are a ray of sunshine, they try to smile and be joyful as much as possible with the goal of brightening up other peoples' moods. They are accepting, compassionate, and selfless. Simply put, they radiate happiness everywhere they go.

You know what I'm talking about.

In fact, I bet that you can think of a few people who are full of light. When you look at them, you feel loved and warm and happy. And you just want to hold onto them because maybe some of their light will transfer onto you.

They are the type of person that everyone should aspire to be.

Below is a poem that I wrote a while back for one of my sweetest friends (yes Dalena, I'm talking about you!) that I decided to share publicly. I feel like we all have these types of people in our lives, and it's important to let them know that we appreciate them and that we are here for them too.

"It is a rare commodity to find someone so full of love.
In a world driven by chaos, destruction, and hate,
Humanity needs a shimmer of hope.
We need a sign that good still exists on this planet.
They are that sign.

Never have I met anyone who shines
With the radiance of a thousand suns.
One look at them and you know.
You know miracles exist and love is real
Because despite all the pain, suffering, and anguish,
Here they are.
With a heart of gold and a smile wide as the crescent moon,
Here they flourish and bloom.

With every beat of their beautiful heart,
Compassion and love overflows.
Not an ounce of spite or hatred.
Ask me what love means
And I will point you to them.
They are the pure embodiment of affection
And it shows in every little thing they do.

Some may think them to be absurdly foolish,
Allowing their heart to be so open, so vulnerable.
It is like an open invitation for heartache.
But I beg to differ.
You see, they are the wise ones and we’re the fools.
They already know one of the many secrets of the universe:
Give love and love will come your way.
It is a rare commodity to find someone so full of love.

Don’t let them go."

(Note: I changed the original pronouns, which were she/her/hers, to gender neutral pronouns, they/them/theirs, in this version.)