I knew I had to be willing to be a little bit ‘nekkid’.

That’s why it took me ten years to get a blog up and going after several false starts and several unfinished books and short stories.

To be authentically me, to be willing to have my thoughts and opinions and insights ‘out there’ and be willing to receive or hear criticism took courage. (At least it did for me.)

I guess that’s the beauty of  getting older. The things that were so important when you’re trying to build a life and a resume and a career and figure out who you are matter. Then you get older, and it doesn’t matter so much. You gain confidence, and realize that maybe you do know something after all. I mean, isn’t that why we’re all here? To learn about life?

By the way, I know this picture has nothing to do with this post. Who doesn’t like sunsets?

But I digress.

I believe that we all have our purpose on this earth, we all have a place. We’re here to serve mankind and to make the world a better place. The hard part is just figuring out what that purpose is, and navigating all the road blocks that pop up along the way.

A dear, dear friend (who shall remain nameless, you know who you are!) messaged me on Facebook last weekend. She made my day.

She reminded me why I began this whole blogging journey in the first place.

True friendship cannot be defined by miles or time.

That’s the beauty and the reward.

Hundreds of miles and a couple of decades have gone by since we’ve seen each other in person. Yet, I know that if we saw each other tomorrow, we’d give each other a big hug and it was like time never passed.

She’s gone through a rough bit these last few years.

We all go through long periods of sadness or stress. That’s just life.

Her simple words, “Your latest Sunshine express made me smile. Life has been rough…and reading your stories has been a highlight on many days. Thank you!!”

It’s easy to get caught up in numbers and page views and wanting to appeal to readers.

But my friend’s message was a sign; an affirmation, if you will, that I need to keep being authentic. I need to continue on this path I’m on. I need to keep being ‘nekkid.’

Because if I brighten just one person’s day, I’ve accomplished my purpose and been successful for that day.

So friends, thank you for reading. I hear positive feedback from a number of you, and I appreciate that. I hope you’ll keep joining me on this journey…where ever it goes, because I love ya.

And I love you too, my friend. Hugs to you from afar. 🙂