Support

In life, we all need and want support from those around us. We expect support from those we love, but it doesn't always work out that way. The world needs all types of people, with all different view points, so it is bound to happen that in living your life you will encounter people that don't support you on your trek. I have learned that as much as it hurts to not be supported in your journey through life, especially by the people we love, it isn't you that is missing out. The non-supportive party is the one missing out on being a part of your life, being a part of your happiness, being a part of your journey. That is a burden they have to bear, not you. Live your life in such a way that you are as happy as possible, bring others around you happiness, and contribute to this great world we live in. All that matters is being able to look at yourself in the mirror and know that you are being the best person that you can be, that you are living up to your potential, that you are giving life 110%, and that you are following your heart and your dreams. In my life, I strive constantly to do this; hoping to make the world a better place and making sure to support those around me. I hope that one day people will judge less and support more because if they don't they are missing out on a great deal of joy.

The Bigger Picture

If only we, as mere humans, could have a better understanding of the bigger picture of life. I think if we did, we would enjoy each day more and be less stressed knowing that everything happens for a reason. People enter your life in different ways, at different times, and in different capacities every day and we take those people for granted. We don't give it a second thought most of the time, but each one of these people has the potential to change your life, if you let them and if you can see the bigger picture. Whether it is the frustrating client who teaches you to be more patient or the guy that keeps popping back into your life as a friend for years only to one day become the love of your life, every person can make you a better person. It is hard to see the lessons in life when they are happening, but most of us can look back and see that things worked out the way they were supposed to. If that is that case, why can't we sit back and relish in each relationship we have, each person that we meet, each situation that occurs? Why do we instead get frustrated or upset or angry when things don't seem to be happening the way we think they should? With our narrow view on life, it may seem that everything is going wrong sometimes. However, things aren't going wrong, they just aren't going according to our plan. They are going according to the bigger plan, the plan that we have a hard time seeing. The plan that God has for us. So keep in mind, as you go through life that frustrating people and situations will make us stronger and that each person we meet gives us the opportunity to better ourselves. The bigger picture is out there and in it everything works out the way it is supposed to. This doesn't mean that things will work out the way you want when you want, but I feel sure that given time things will happily work out the way they are supposed to. Just look at me, I went through the worst year of my life and now I am happier than I could have ever imagined. I never knew that 2010 would bring me exactly what I needed, but then again, I didn't know the bigger plan for me. Now I am just enjoying my wonderful life, grateful for what life has brought me. I love what life has brought me!

Expect the Unexpected

Some people say in life there are no guarantees, but that isn't true. You are guaranteed every day to encounter something unexpected and most of us fear that more than anything. We want to be prepared for everything and have no surprises (well no bad ones at least). Well, that isn't going to happen, so the key to life is to welcome the unexpected. Know that there is going to be heartache, but that makes you appreciate love that much more. Know that there is going to be sickness, so appreciate your health and well being. Know that there is going to be loneliness, so remind your friends how much you love them every chance you get. Know that there is going to be disappointment, but that only makes us appreciate reaching our goals that much more. There isn't a questions of if bad things are going to happen in your life and there is no way to know when they will happen, but you will get through them and make it to the other side. They will become a part of who you are and may even make you a better person for having faced them. So I say life is full of guarantees, but they aren't always what we are hoping for and that is okay. Embrace the unexpected, take the good with the bad, and always look for that silver lining.

True Friends

The older I get, the more important it is to know who your true friends are. The ones that will be there for you no matter what and you can feel better just by knowing they are in your life. People change with time and grow in different directions, that means that friendships need to change with them and sometimes that means letting go of people in your life. You need to be on a pathway full of people who love and support you and are proud of you and where you are. People that will help you to reach the next goal in your life, people that keep you on the right path. Over 2009 I have done a lot of growing and that has meant saying good-bye to a lot of friendships that I had outgrown. Letting go of people can be hard, but the memories will always be there and they should never be forgotten since the people in your life shape you into the person that you are. One thing you should always remember is that you should feel better and happier after spending time with a friend, if you don't chances are it is time to let go. Let go and grow into wonderful new friendships.