We all have a story to tell. But sometimes we find ourselves rushing to the end trying to find answers to all the penetrating and lingering questions. Too many times, it seems we’re crippled by a one-track mind; a mind that is so focused on where we’re going that we don’t notice where we are. And where am I? I’m in that space between adolescence and adulthood–and it’s wonderful.
Instead of constantly looking in front of me, I’m looking around me. I’m taking in all my surroundings; everything that makes me smile, every nuisance that makes me cringe, every incidence that puts me down, the little things that mean everything, the music that makes me feel and the people that inspire me. I’m taking the time to notice what makes me me. More importantly, I’m noticing what, and who, makes me a better version of myself.
It’s moments like these, when I have complete and total clarity, that I realize how truly blessed I am to be me. I am at the point in my life when I have endless opportunities to screw up and make mistakes, redeem myself, then screw up again. And I have the luxury to say to myself that every mistake is just another lesson; another facet that makes me who I am–another aspect of who I am becoming. That’s why every mistake I make, every tear that falls from my eyes, every moment that begins with heartache…those moments will end with my head held high and a smile on my face. Because in that moment, I’ll know that I’m not done yet, and that I have and an endless amount of chances.
The problem is that not everyone realizes this incredible opportunity. Instead, some people tend to dwell on the negatives and see every mistake as a set-back. And that fact is heartbreaking. I understand that it can be tremendously difficult to find the good in every bad situation, but does that mean one should immediately dismiss the possibility of a happy outcome? Choosing to be happy is half the battle; but choosing to be dejected is no battle at all, because that choice is the easy one. However, the battle that follows is a one-way path to self-destruction.
My advice? Take the cliche route and wake up every morning and put a smile on your face and tell yourself it’s going to be a good day; laugh at each and every mishap throughout your day; smile at everyone you see and remember that feeling you get when someone smiles back, let it consume you; choose to believe that there are people out there who genuinely care, and choose to pity those who don’t–and instead of wishing ill-will on those individuals, pray that someone or something comes along to change them. Stop focusing on the friends you’ve lost and the people who aren’t there for you, and find the few people who never left–those are the people you should be thinking about. If something is bothering you, think about whether or not that irritating nuisance will effect your life in the long-wrong. More often than not, the answer will be no. So why waste your thoughts on it now? There are more important things in life.
Don’t miss this opportunity to live a life of fire and passion…a life of excitement and wonder…a life of mistakes and redemptions.
This life is beautiful, and we’re the lucky ones.
Feature photo credit www.myperfectline.com