I'm not typically the type of person to be serious at all, so this blog might throw everyone off just a little bit.  However, I feel that everyone, at some point in their lives, need to really get things out in the open for everyone to know.  I've learned over the years (I say "over the years" as if I'm old.  Like thirty or something.  That was a cheap shot at my sister and brother in law if you didn't catch it...) that it's never good to hold in any kind of emotion, be it anger, silliness, sadness, happiness, whatever.

It' been a rough few weeks, months even, for me.  I'm certainly not going to get into details because that could take days of writing.  Anyway, recent events in my life have taught me a whirlwind of things that I think have made me grow as a person.

1.  Have faith.  

This can be interpreted in a few ways.  Have faith in God.  Have faith in your friends.  Have faith in your family.  And most importantly, have faith in yourself.    I know it's easy for me to sit here and preach this to you from behind my computer screen, but it's a simple concept: where are we without faith?  Are we to sit around and wait for thing to happen by chance?  It's just not that easy.  Know that the people who care about you most are pulling for you and know that things are going to work out.  Things are hardly ever set in stone, have faith that things can and will change for the better as long as you hang on to the hope that they will.  The people that care about you most are your biggest fans, trust them.

2. Don't be afraid to say how much you care.

This one is really a no brainer but tends to be overlooked.  It's quite obvious that the reason you keep the company that you do is because you care about them.  Don't be shy and let them know, even if it means daily.  I don't know about you, but I don't think I'd ever get sick of someone telling me that they care about me.  Not only might this brighten someone's day, but it gives them something to look forward to and makes you feel pretty good.  A simple "just wanted to say hello" or an "I love you!" can make a world of difference to someone you care about.

3.  Don't sweat the small stuff!

Life's too short to be upset at someone for something they might have said or done to bother you.  Let them know so they can fix it and make it up to you if it need be.  You never know what can happen in  a matter of days, someone that you might be upset with might not be around tomorrow to say "it's okay, let's get things back to normal" to.  Let stuff go, because sometimes you don't realize how good you have it until it's too late.

4.  Have no regrets.

Again, life is entirely too short to look back at what could have been done differently.  Everything happens for a reason, don't question it.  You'll find out soon enough why something happened the way it did and it will all make sense.  Granted, this doesn't happen over night.  Be patient though, you'll figure it out.

5.  Don't take things for granted.

Know what you have and cherish it.  Simple enough.

6. True friends will never leave you.

Even though they may be miles away or unreachable, a true friend will never leave you.  They might not be physically there for you, but you have to hang onto the fact that they're most definitely thinking about you and your well being and that they're praying for you.  They've been there for you in the past and they'll be there for you forever.  In turn, don't ever forget about these friends no matter how much one might change over time or what the circumstances might be.  After all, you've been through so much  together.  

7. Stay strong!

Although things might seem ridiculously awful at a certain point in time, it doesn't mean it's going to stay like that forever.  You've only got the rest of your life to live, so don't back down.  Look at your troubles in the past.  All they are now are mere "bumps in the road".  That's how it will be from now until forever.  You've gotten past so many hurdles, keep going.

8. Have pride in yourself.

Be proud of what you do, no matter what other's might say or think.  Don't get discouraged and know that people think highly of you, do the same for yourself.  Most likely, you deserve to pat your own back.

So with that, I'm through.  I hope you're slightly inspired with my little blog here, because I just inspired myself [to make a cup of hot chocolate and watch "A Christmas Story".]

Take good care and hang in there.  This is the first day of the rest of your life.  Make it a good one.