As an overwhelmingly negative person, I often find myself wishing I was a cheery optimist, the type that so often becomes one of my closest friends.
I know it’s more than just a mere coincidence that I am drawn to the infectious laughs and smiles of the people who fill up my life. Despite my wanting to change to be more like those I love, I’m always left stagnant, still wishing I could be like the people who light up every room.
They’re laughing more times than not, and somehow, they always find it within themselves to make room for my grievances and to listen openly with only a smile and a solution.
My longing to be like those that emanate happiness and joy is too difficult to describe. I’ve often tried to rationalize my desire to feel like one of my sunshine people by arguing they’re just fronting a mask, a fake facade to recruit friends, and that I can fake it, too.
But I know I’m wrong.
I know the kind words and light-filled personality they have isn’t a fake demeanor they don’t believe in.
Even writing this, I’m debating changing my words to seem less jealous. I know they wouldn’t write this column like this.
Not only do they leave me in awe of their personality, but they are also the people who inspire change in myself and surely others. They’re the kind of people who you want to spend all your time with. The type of people you never want to leave you.
Thank you, my rays of sunshine.
From my best friend to friends I wish I saw more, to my aunts and uncles and family. I want to spend my days with them and those who spread the same joy to others’ lives.
My love for them is why I want to be like them so much. They seem to thrive, with a sunny personality that invites happiness and love into my life rather than the bitterness I so often catch within my thoughts.
I’m not saying they need to always smile; their real personalities are the most beautiful thing about them, and I don’t want them to ever change.
To Gabbi, Mihika, Aunt Amy, Uncle Matt, Dani Johnson, Jamie, Aunt Britt, Uncle Dan, and the countless others that I admire fully, I will forever wish to be more like you; thank you for making my life so much better. I couldn’t imagine life without you.
I apparently really am a product of my environment and the people I surround myself with because not only do they cause me to become more conscientious of how I appear to others, but they also often invite more simple fun into everyone’s lives. My rays of sunshine will always be some of my favorite people.
So yes, I wish I could be more like the sunshine optimists who light up my life. Thank you all for caring, for a smile when I need it, and for being the type of person I wish to someday even slightly resemble.
