Last night I laid in bed awake, despite the fact that not being able to sleep is nothing new to me, last night was different, in a strange but welcomed way.

You see normally when sleep eludes me (and believe me when I say that this happens more often than not), regardless of the cause. And when it happens, the norm is that; at some point my mind will start going into overdrive, playing out events of the past, plans for the future, random facts, to do lists, and pretty much anything else hidden in the creases between the conscious and subconscious mind.

But like I said, last night was different! Instead of the normal journey between the freedom of rest and a feeling of death, my mind decided to take a road less travelled as it reflected upon my journey through life – from beginning to end (or rather up to the present point) – but more importantly, I was focussed on all the people that I have shared a part of my life and myself with, even if it was only a moment in time.

“In life, some people come for a reason, some for a season, and some remain with you for a lifetime” ~ Anon

As I laid there, while my mind meandered sleeplessly through the highest points and the lowest pits of my colourfully scenic timeline, marked only by the arrivals and departures of every single individual that I have encountered; I suddenly realised that despite the circumstances encouraging their arrival in my space, as well as whatever caused our paths to sever: that I was truly and deeply grateful for each and every one of them.

It was almost as if I managed to find a sense of peace, that put me to rest despite my restlessness.

And as the evening sky merged into the hue of yet another promising morning, a familiar concept that I had carried with me as a morsel of valuable knowledge, managed to settle into its well-deserved spot of applied wisdom instead.

Now, if by any chance you are wandering what I mean by this, I will try to clarify it by quoting one of my very first posts on Steemit:

“Knowledge: Knowing that it will hurt like hell sticking your hand in a fire and holding it there for as long as it will take an ADD adolescent to memorise and pre-rehearse an entire South-African governmental speech, with a selection of pre-emptive, unruly interruption options worked into the MOANolog.

Wisdom: is NOT PUTTING YOUR HAND IN SAID FIRE... AT ALL... EVER... UNDER ANY GIVEN SURCUMSTANCES... E V E R DOESN'T MATTER IF THE FATE OF THE ENTIRE FAST FOOD RETAILING INDUSTRY DEPENDED ON YOUR RETRIEVAL OF AN INNANIMATE OBJECT IMBEDDED IN THE COALS -Various creatures from various species for example a species close to home; our beloved prime mates: make use of tools, YOU CAN TOO!”

You see, in my personal opinion:
• Knowledge refers to our minds being exposed to facts and information; as well as maintaining the ability to recall said gems when the moment calls for it.
• While wisdom stems from the application of said knowledge.
only when we can practically apply what we know, can we pass that knowledge on to others in the form of wisdom.

Now, let’s get back to the point at hand, you see, I have always known that each and every person that has ever existed, has a reason for being the way they are, and also that everybody travels through life on their own journey therefore, each and every individual has their own story.

And that little piece of knowledge was; that we do not necessarily need to understand where someone else comes from, where they currently are on their own life journey, or even why they are who they are and act as they do in order for us to accept them and respect them as they are.

It was only when I physically applied that knowledge to the ebb and flow of the flooding memories, of all the people who had crossed my path throughout my life journey thus far, that I realised: Despite the emotions and thoughts that were aroused by people, as well as the surrounding circumstances that were encapsulated in every single moment of my shared journey; (regardless of my perception (positive or negative) of it at the time), has impacted my life in a meaningful and valuable way in a unique fashion.

The moment that I applied that knowledge to actual events throughout my life-course thus far, more particularly my own personal growth and how it was affected by each and every person that I have shared a part of my life with, up until this very moment; was when I suddenly acknowledged their individual journeys with a new found respect.

And it is because of this that I give thanks to them, and respect who they are, even though I do not always fully grasp their journey or even understand their actions. Because, had they not crossed my path, at the very moment in time that they did, being exactly who they were and acting exactly as they did…

…I would not have grown into exactly the person that I am right now.

Throughout our lives we encounter numerous people, and we have to realise:

• That the duration of our time shared with them is NEVER certain or set in stone.
• Also, that every moment in life is a precious gift that we can only experience once.
• And lastly, every single person that enters into our lives, offers us an opportunity for constructive growth, and self-improvement.

Let’s look at two polar opposite scenarios, and how both of them ( each in their own unique way) can add value to your life, even if that was never the intentional goal for either party involved.

FIRSTLY lets have a look at how the good influence of a caring person can improve your life:

• A caring person will give you loving support when you need it, nourishing our souls with love and kindness that motivates and encourages us, serving as a reminder that every path that we travel on our journey through life, remains an absolutely unique and beautiful one, whilst making you aware of your own attributes and strengths

NOW let have a look at a negative influence:

• They will do their part by challenging our patients or pushing our moral boundaries to a point of uncertainty within ourselves, this in turn often flows over into actions, followed by reactions; This series of events creats the perfect portal towards, (-as unpleasant and even painful as they can often be-) valuable life lessons, that also allows us to grow.
  and it is from these lessons that we are able to pick up the knowledge even though it is sometimes in a chrysalis state, caused by unpleasant events or conditions; and carry them with us until we are ready to nourish the knowledge that we have obtained, so that when we are ready we can allow it to transform into the much needed wisdom for our journey through life that lies ahead.

So; THANK YOU!:

Thank you, for every single moment of my life, that you might have shared with me - in any way, shape or form. For this I am grateful.
Thank you, for contributing to my growth throughout my journey through life; in your own unique way.

And given the fact that; in every single aspect that serves as a component of life itself, it remains a firm truth, that balance is a required necessity:

And therefore I want to also thank you for allowing me to contribute towards your growth ~ by sharing not only my time, but also a part of myself ~ with you.

I can only hope that any given moment, that I was blessed enough to be able to share with you, even if it was only for a fraction of a second;
WHOEVER YOU ARE AND WHERE EVER YOU MIGHT BE RIGHT NOW

I would like to assure you, that despite your perception of the time we might have shared, that I was trying my utmost best, to be the very best person that I could be, at that point of my journey.

If my actions left any remnants of unpleasantness in your life – at any given point in time; I apologise sincerely, and ask for your forgiveness.

• Just like you, I also have my own story behind the person that I have pecome.

• Just like you, I have my own reasons for being the way I am, and acting the way I do.

• I don’t necessarily expect you to understand exactly where I am coming from where exactly where I am in my life at this point in time.

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