Both of my letters today will most likely be lame.

Day 28: Someone that changed your life.

Dear someone that changed my life,

This letter is hard because there are so many people I could write it to. Because I kinda feel like everyone in my life has kinda changed it in some way. Shaped the person I am. So maybe I'll just write little bits to everyone.

You came into my life at a time when I could've gone anywhere. And I credit you for a lot of the direction I decided to take. Whether that was just because of being in your class to begin with and the people who were there or actually you, it's still true. The lessons you taught me--to free myself of the worries and just be, to be passionate about something and to care, to laugh, to be creative (that that's ok)--all of it was exactly what I needed then. And I couldn't have gone on to become what I am now without that push. It was what made me settle in so that I could move on to focus on the other stuff later. I know it's cliche, but what you taught me stuck with me. I can't exactly quote things you'd say or anything or pin down exactly what I learned, but it was really about the experience as a whole. Without it, I don't know who I'd be. I know we aren't super super close and talk all the time, but for the reasons above, I'd probably list you among my greatest influences. I really can't quantify it in words, but I respect you and thank you.

You came into my life when I was ready, and not until then. You were diffferent. I knew you'd be more than a fleeting crush. And you were. Despite all the obstacles (gosh, can you remember the very beginning? How far away...) we got there. You taught me everything. Literally, everything ( please don't make me relive embarassing memories). How to be a good partner in a relationship, how to communicate, how to let go a little bit more, compromise, what I need and what others need. Through all the ups and downs of us, you taught me more than I ever thought. And you helped me learn about myself. You helped make me into the more confident, mature, and capable person that I am today. Looking back on things so far, I think you were one of the biggest turns in my life. One of the singlemost changing things. Without you happening, I'd be someone so, so completely different. A lot fo that change is wrapped up in you, and you and me, and everything we've been through together and apart. Thanks.

And you. You changed me too. Again, you came into my life when I wasn't expecting it at all. But probably when I needed it most. I didn't think I was ready, but you were the push I needed to find something good again. I didn't have the strength, but you did. And I needed it. Like I said before, without you happening, my life would be so, so radically different. You helped take me away from running in circles and show me something new. And in that, you showed me a new side of myself that I could never have discovered on my own. You helped show me how I could be a different person. How I could have good parts I never thought I could have before. Everyday, I think you make me better. Thank you.

There are so many more people I could talk about, but these three are big ones. Big turning points. Who I think have shaped me in ways I've only started to understand. Thanks for helping to make me who I am. Cause you really have.

Love,
Lauren.