My Observations of Life I: A Continuing Study

((From December 19))


In twenty years I've learned a lot about life. I guess that's good, because twenty years should be enough time to learn something. Of course, I still have a lot more to learn. But I have learned.

Life can be exhilarating one second and a complete letdown the next. Things that are completely out of our control can change our whole outlook, and thus our whole attitude, in a matter of a nanosecond. Sometimes life can seem so busy, but when you look back, you weren't really doing anything. Or at least nothing special.

Some of the most important people in your life are the people who don't like you. Call them what you will - enemies or whatever. But these are some of the most important people because they are usually the ones who can teach you the most. Especially about patience. I've learned a lot about patience this year.

And yeah, life can be stressful. I think anyone over the age of 10 knows that well enough. But I can't let it control me. I can't let it stress me out to the point that I don't enjoy it anymore. Life is what you make of it, and I prefer it to be fun. So relax, take a deep breath, close your eyes, watch the sunset, smell a flower, pet a cat, walk barefoot in the grass, snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, smile randomly, and chill out. Enjoy yourself. Force yourself to be easy going. Don't let it bother you so much when the idiot behind you at the red light gets an inch away from your bumper, or someone cuts in front of you in line, or someone says something you don't like. In five minutes, it won't even matter anyway.

I've been through a lot of things in my life. I'm not complaining or looking for sympathy, I'm just stating a fact. I got through them, I lived, and I still love life. Not to say I felt that way at the time I was going through whatever it was, but you live and learn. Bad things happen, people aren't always nice and things don't always go your way. If I got over it, you can too. I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, because I am very sympathetic towards people (any of my friends can tell you that). But that doesn't change the fact that you need to get over it.

Life is a gift. Get off your butt, stop muddling around in self-pity, and get out there to enjoy it. I sure am.