That’s the beginning line of the very first entry I ever cheered on 43-Things, which was 19,000 cheers and almost 5 years ago. I went back to read that entry again tonight, which was written by a fellow who called himself JunkYardSaint, who hasn’t been around here for quite awhile. I really identified with his entry about the changes that he wanted to make in his life, and how he hoped that 43 Things would help him. I especially identified with how he’d put things off for YEARS and how he seemed to have lost all motivation.

The bad news is that I STILL really identify with what he wrote. I STILL feel stuck in many of the same ways I did when I first came here, and wonder why I can’t seem to get motivated. But the good news is that I’m glad I’m still here in spite of my struggles.

I gave my 19,000th cheer to his goal “make my life matter.” I hope that, wherever his is, he feels like his life does matter. My interactions with him mattered when I was new here, and feeling quite alone. And at least on a good day, I do feel like my life matters, even if I’m not where I think I’m supposed to be. And at least giving 19,000 cheers does give me some sense of accomplishment tonight.

Thanks, JunkYardSaint, wherever you are. (Maybe now that notifications are fixed, I should send him a comment or message and try to tell him.)

And thanks, 43 Things, and all the people here, for inspiring me and teaching me and entertaining me and cheering me on and helping me remember that my life matters, and so do yours. A big cheer to you all.

CHEER!