Sometimes it’s in the form of a feeling. You think to yourself day after day, “I’ve always wanted to go there.”

Or, “I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Even, “I’ve always wanted to try.”

And then one day you do.

Sometimes it’s in the form of a person. You have a dream in your head that you think, just maybe, hopefully — you’ll get to someday. And you never do. Somedays gradually become years. But then someone comes into the picture and turns everything upside down.

They say, “Hey, do you want to do this with us?”

Or, “We really need you. Why don’t you give it a shot just this once?”

Even, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

And then you realize that upside down is actually right side up.

Better yet, you’re suddenly aware that your dream is now; it’s being lived.

Sometimes is in the form of parents, too. You know you’ve had their support since day one, but somehow you manage to hold on to all the negative the world has to offer; all of the instances of you can’t, you won’t, you shouldn’t and you’re not good enough. And then you wake up one day to realize that — hey — only your parents can really tell you what to do. And you finally start believing them; you finally start to know you’re good enough.

Tonight I am thankful for the nudge that can come out of nowhere, from practically anyone and — interestingly — at precisely the right time. Something that takes years to sink in sometimes needs a final ounce of encouragement, a final push in the right direction. Sometimes not even a push.

Sometimes only the most gentle of nudges.