The Little Things...

Last night, I got some news...some bad news.  Someone I knew a really long time ago died.  He was 26 and a few months shy of being 27.  In a few days, I'll be 27 too.  The moment I heard about this, I felt so sad...not only for him and his family, but for myself as well.  Now, it's obvious why I'd be sad for him, but you may be wondering why I'd be sad for myself; it's the little things.  God will make it plain and He did. As I complain about where I am a few days before my 27th birthday, someone just lost the chance to see their 27th birthday. When people say it could always be worse and you shrug it off, remember...it really could always be worse.

Often times, when you're going through something, people will tell you to be positive and look on the bright side.  Within your frustrated place, you sometimes can't see the bright side even though deep down you know it's there.  When people notice this, they begin pointing it out to you: your health, your mind, family, friends, etc...  Even though you know this, you ignore it.  It does nothing to improve your outlook or momentary attitude.

Now I've heard that speech at my low moments, and I've given that speech to someone experiencing a low moment and never did it hit me like it did last night.  Here I was, ignoring all the great things that I had in my life and focusing on where I thought I'd be, when someone who's exactly my age will never, ever, get to accomplish all the things he aspired to do.  He no longer has his health, mind, family, or friends.  He can no longer wake up and be thankful for another day...he can no longer wake up.

The little things, or the things that we think are so little, shouldn't be taken for granted.  Just because you've always been breathing, doesn't mean you'll always be breathing.  Just because you've always been able to think clearly doesn't mean you'll always think clearly.  Just because you've always had family and friends, doesn't mean you will always have them.  We must be grateful for everything that we have even if it's not exactly what you want or you're not exactly where you want to be.  You are always exactly where you need to be and your constant gratitude is guaranteed to propel further than where you thought you'd be. 

Until next time...keep the forward movement...

In Loving Memory...

A few hours ago, I received a call that changed the course of my day.  My best friend's father passed away.  My heart almost exploded out of my chest when I heard that.  I had literally spoken to her five minutes before and told her that I'd call her back when I got home and settled.  I went on with what I was doing and continued to plan my day and weekend.  Within minutes, nothing was of importance.  Everything was moving slowly and I was unable to talk and cried uncontrollably.  I cried for her father, her family, and myself.  I had become part of the family, and my heart cried out.  For weeks I'd been praying and keeping a positive mindset in order not to let defeat rule my thoughts, words, or actions.

Although I'm sitting here with this enormous headache from the tears, I felt the need to express myself anyway.  I can't stress enough how you really never know when your time is up.  You never know when you'll say good-bye to someone and it may be the last time you ever see them.  Read this and embed it in your soul: DON'T LET DEATH BE YOUR REMINDER OF HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS!  I can't stress this enough.  I'm practically screaming it.  It's so easy to say that and continue on with your foolish ways and silly arguments, especially when it's not your personal situation, but please get into the habit of living your life remembering this.  Sure things happen everyday and you can be upset, sad, or frustrated, but make a point to live life to the fullest and to appreciate the people in your life.  Even more importantly, let them know.  Find a way to express it every now and then.

Before I go, I also want to advise you to utilize your current moment.  Utilize your "now" because that's all you know you have.  If you can, call that person NOW.  If you can, express yourself NOW.  You just never know and you can't take the chance of waiting until tomorrow.  Sometimes, you don't want to rush things, like a relationship or sharing your feelings for instance.  You want to make sure you're ready or you may be scared and are waiting, but how do you know that the person will be there when you are?  How do you know something won't happen to you before you can?  I've been guilty of waiting until "later" or "tomorrow" for many things and never get the chance and that's the worst feeling ever.  You can never get back the time that has already elapsed.

As you read this, I hope that you get the urge to live your life to the fullest and appreciate it.  Take advantage of every moment, experience, and person that's blessed to be in your life.  Love and live....

R.I.P Papa Mike

Until next time...keep the forward movement...