Family

There is a saying: "blood is thicker than water".  It means that when there is a misunderstanding among family members, versus non-family members, you work out the kinks with your family at all costs.  It means that you don't stay at odds with family the way you might with someone who is not related to you.  It means that you stand up for family and support them.  That one saying means all of the aforementioned things...maybe a bit more, but nothing less.

You need family; but sometimes you need outsiders to make you appreciate family properly.  At times, family can treat you worse than anyone else in the world.  This only happens because they're closest to you.  At other times, you can trust a friend with your life and heart long before you would a family member.  This happens due to past pain & hurts that haven't healed or haven't been overcome within the family.

Family, love, and support makes life easier to live.  Sometimes friends are the only family you have.  No matter what kind of family you have...appreciate it, it's your family.  Remember, family isn't only made up of those who share the same last name or same direct descendants.  It's all about relationship and the bond you share.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Expectations

Promises - words spoken assuring that things will be done - most often lead to expectations.  Periodically, expectations appear out of pure desire...without there ever being a promise spoken.  At that moment, give yourself a reality check.  Be sure, be certain, be most confident that you aren't expecting something outside of your reality.

Oftentimes, people get upset, angered, or hurt because someone let them down.  Take the time to analyze and reflect. Did someone else let you down or did you let yourself down due to your own unfounded expectations?  Do your best to be truthful and honest in your thoughts, intentions, and ultimately, your actions.  Know who you are in every situation so you'll know exactly what (and what not) to expect.

Quell your anger, disappointment, and hurt.  Evaluate situations honestly, with your eyes open.  Make no excuses or whimsical possibilities...focus on your reality.  Things do change, but not overnight and not without effort.  Your expectations are your hopes and desires...not someone else's.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Get Off The Road

Every once in awhile you need to step outside of the mainstream...do something different.  You can't want something different or want to see something different if you don't do anything or go anywhere different.  Life can be as mundane or as out of the ordinary as you live it.  Even the most popular kid knows that he/she isn't popular for being a follower.  Despite what you see and hear everyone else do;, do your own thing...do what makes you happy.

Oftentimes it's good to get away and see new sights.  There are all kinds of roads paved to lead to many different places.  They all have certain themes or scenery...greenery, signs, landscapes, etc.  You may have to get off the main road to really see what's around you.  Sometimes traveling your own road, the road less traveled, is necessary.

What's the point in having an ATV or SUV attitude if you're planning to spend your life coasting in smooth, paved roads?  Get off the road...enjoy life.  Make your own path.  Set a standard for someone else to follow.  Learn something new and have fun while you're doing it.

It's beautiful to be you...simply  beautiful.

Morning Inspiration

Arise with fresh eyes.  Go forth with a lightened heart.  Make decisions with your heart and mind anew.  Eat healthy and heartily.  Pray often.  Love always.

Do what feels right in your heart, not just what makes sense in your mind.  Every goal doesn't always seem feasible to attain.  Every road doesn't seem worth traveling.  Every step doesn't feel easy to take.  Have faith and courage...you can do it.

Find a saying or remember some encouraging and strengthening words.  Think of someone's desire to succeed and their tenacity...replay it in your mind daily.  Let it inspire you to greatness...or simply to get up and go.  Don't let the concerns of yesterday keep you from experiencing the goodness of today...it can ultimately hinder your tomorrow.  Know what gets you going and do it!

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

Craters

There's a huge, gaping hole inside me...right in the space where I keep the things I love.  You'd never know by looking because I'm not bandaged or limping.  You can't even tell if you talk to me, since my speech isn't slurred or obstructed.  There's no apparent damage according to the eyes of on-lookers...only in the eyes of those who are kindred to my soul have I been broken and damaged in some way.  Even though it lies within, they can see the hurt and pain...they see a difference in me.

I can't repair it on my own...it takes time.  Slowly, hurt and pain will fade.  However, memories will be lasting.  Sometimes the memories will conjure laughter...and at other times tears.  I'm not comfortable with this process, but I know we must all go through it in order to learn and grow.

Whether a death, a lost love, or sheer disappointment from failure or fallen expectations...craters are what remain after something great has happened.  It makes no difference whether the happening was greatly negative or positive...learn something from it.  Go through the process.  Before you know it your crater will be filled with new life.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.

What You Want

There are some things in life that come easy.  They're gifts like sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell...some people don't even have these gifts.  There are other things that come, but not so easy...like success and happiness.  You never have to work for the easy things, but they are also never guaranteed.  However, the other things that aren't so easy can be innate or simply things we have to work to achieve.

Some people are destined to have the world at their fingertips for every beck and call; while others must work for every thread of anything they ever achieve or possess.  No matter which category you fall into, it is indisputable that you must put forth some effort...even if it's only in thought.  You must first decide what you want; then, how to get it.  No matter who you are, where you are, or where you're from...do something.  Get what YOU want.

It's beautiful to be you...simply beautiful.