I’d really like to say thank you.

I was standing in the shower the other day and visualizing meeting Tony out and about  (I mean, what else do 28 year old girls daydream about in a hot steamy shower) and all I could see myself doing was thanking the guy. Granted, I’m sure he gets that all of the time, but of course my thank you would be different (lol don’t we all think the same stuff).

Last summer I recently moved back from California, moved back in to my mom’s place, and felt straight up lost. Felt like I was back in the spot, not sure what to do next, but above anything I needed to start working again…student loans ain’t gone pay themselves ya feel? A travel occupational therapy position opened up in Cincinnati, OH and I was open to the idea. It was a on 3 week stint, I met a girl that I could stay with, and travel positions always pay well. Although it was literally the last thing I wanted to do, I accepted the offer.

There I went, down 71S to Cincinnati to find myself not so happy. My new roomie was wonderful, welcoming, and super accommodating, she was by the best part of the experience. Aside from that, I really just wanted to go home. I did travel therapy so I could go to California for a period of time, not Cincinnati, OH. I’ll say this though, I knew I had grown as a person by 1. Accepting the job and 2. Not making an excuse that my car blew up or I was moving to Alaska the day before I was supposed to start. My new well- educated and strong willed-mind got me down there, now I needed to keep fine tuning it to make sure I stayed. The only way I knew how to do that? Repeating the shit that works.

Instead of listening to music on my drive to work, I listened to Tony. I played his videos on loud and imprinted his words onto my brain like my life depended on it. After the gym, I’d listen to Tony while I meal prepped. At the bare minimum, he shifted my mood and that was truly all I needed.

It gets me a little choked up to be honest. Like one human can impact someone so intensely without ever meeting them, pretty freaking awesome if I do so say myself. If I ever had the chance I’d probably bear hug him whether he liked it or not, and thank him for helping me get through some tough mornings. Like dude, we hung out every single morning and night–we’re basically besties. 

Long story short, I survived. I made the best of each day; I connected w/ my temp roomie, drove up to Columbus more often than not to visit my uncle, and continued to work on myself every single day. 2017 was my best year yet, and weirdly enough, those 3 weeks definitely were a part of it. Not because it was glamorous, thrilling or on my bucket list, but because I saw such growth within myself that I knew would help me in the long run. Aside from what I’d like to say to Tony, maybe keep this post as a reminder for yourself—you never know how much your words and or your stories might be truly helping someone. If you have a message, I encourage you to share it. You never know who might need it today!

Love all of your guy’s guts,

Lauren