To the people that made me,

Not everyone believes that every single person who walks into your life has been placed into your life for a reason. But I, for one, am a firm believer that everyone I have come in contact with was or is there for a reason. Some have impacted my life for the better, while others have for the worst. But as a common denominator, they have all developed the type of person I am today.

It is a common act for people to focus on those people who make or made them feel positive emotions. Positive emotions such as those “butterflies” you feel before a first date or that genuine happiness when you laugh with your friends for hours. Those who either helped them experience love for the first time or those who were their shoulder to cry on when times became rough.But no one seems to acknowledge the ones who made them feel negative emotions. Negative emotions such as heartbreak, betrayal or even embarrassment. In my personal experience, I have had many friends and people in my life that have brought me both joy and sadness. But facing the betrayal from friends was one of the most difficult situations I have ever faced until this day. As the years go on, I realize truly how lucky I am for having the negative influences right alongside of the positive ones.

They made me. Both the negative experiences with people and the positive ones, they created the type of person I am. The people who have been by my side since day one to the people who kick me when I am down, all helped shape me.The positive influences such as family or life-long friends as well as the negative influences such as fake friends or a cheating boyfriend, have all taught me their own set of lessons. When it comes to my positive influences, these people have taught me to believe in my dreams, shoot for the stars, love until you cannot love anymore and live your life to the fullest. My negative influences have taught me that it is OK to be selfish, you cannot make everyone happy, trust few and put yourself first.

Sure, no one wants to experience any negative situation or relationship with anyone. But unfortunately, there will be some negative relationships that you will face. Whether it be with a family member, friend, or significant other, the opportunity to get lost in one is everywhere. What truly matters is what you take from these relationships, whether it be a minimum or drastic lesson. That’s the beauty of life, there are lessons everywhere.

All in all, every person to enter my life are all blessings and for that I am thankful. Thank you to those who keep my secrets. Thank you to those who have betrayed me. Thank you to those who have made me feel loved. Thank you to those who broke my heart. Thank you to those who left. Thank you to those who have never left. But most importantly, thank you all for making me the person I am today.