A Simple text of appreciation

 Sometimes the sweetest surprises can be as simple as a unexpected text. It was a normal Monday evening and I was getting ready for bed. I had just brushed my teeth and was picking out my outfit for the next day, when I hear my phone give its text notification ring. My first thought at 10:30 at night, was that it was one of my work families letting me know of a sudden change in the following days routine, example: a child was sick. I wasn't in a rush to learn of potential bad news so I finished what I was doing, before walking across the room to check my phone. 

"Thanks for being the best neighbor/human being. I could've ever had living next to me. If there was ever a question in my mind that the universe looks out for us and provides opportunities for us when we need them. The most that question was answered was when you moved in. I won't be home for more than a couple of days from now until April but I came home for 24 hours and had so much I had to do and you popped into my head and I wanted to make sure that you feel respected and appreciated as my neighbor and friend. I spoke that into my phone through Siri so sorry if it is a little fucked up" -Anthony

This text was so random and unexpected. I couldn't think of anything that I had done to deserve all that he said but I could feel the affect of his words like a warm blanket of sunshine wrapped around my shoulders. I was grinning from the inside out. You see Anthony isn't just my next door neighbor. He is a local celebrity and Rock Star! And being considered his friend is quite flattering. The only thing I can think of is that Anthony appreciates the fact I have no complaints over the noise level when he is practicing next door. I only assure him that we can't really hear him as well as he thinks. 

"I don't know what I did to deserve this but I am flattered. Thank you for the sweet compliment" - I responded.

I didn't know who he was when I moved next door to him last May. I was told a musician lived in the studio next door but that he was on tour  most of the year and wouldn't be around much. I didn't think anything of it. I pictured a guy who played guitar for some unknown band that played in dive bars around the tri state area at best.  And when Anthony introduced himself one random day, I didn't recognize his name or face. From that point on for a couple more weeks he would just be "the guy next door". In fact I forgot his full name five minutes after he introduced himself because I am bad at remembering names. Then a few days later his mail accidently ended up in my mailbox and I now had his full name. I googled him and discovered who he was. I learned that my brother in law was a big fan of his, as well as several of my work families. It was fun to share the news with them of who my neighbor was and see their excitement shine in their eyes

Over the summer Anthony and I would say hi to each other in passing or chat for a while. He is always so polite and kind. One afternoon I happened to be off work and he was having some down time between tours and we sat on our shared patio and talked for three hours. He shared some meaningful stories about his life and kids. He also invited me and a guest of my choosing to come to his local concert as his friend/family. It felt really good to walk through the doors of the club where he was performing with his band and have the security guy know right away that I was on "the list". The look on my sisters face was priceless.   

I love to accidentally discover new music as it feels like a magical moment sent from the universe. And to move next door to a musician and actually like his music is pretty cool. And getting to call him a friend is even cooler. 

I was sharing this story with my friend Sabrina this week and she said that more people should take the time to notice and appreciate others in their lives. We should look for ways to share compliments and voice our appreciation more often. It lifts others spirits and adds a bounce to their step. Maybe they pass it on by complimenting someone else and so on and so on. And when you are spreading good vibes, you are also gaining back all that positive energy too! The more you give away, the more you gain. 

So the moral of this story is that I am going to look for ways to brighten someone's day with a simple compliment or acknowledgement of appreciation more often as I go about my day.