"One man with courage is a Majority." Thomas Jefferson

           A huge topic I would like to talk about is something called courage.   It is something I rarely see and yet I have felt so inspired to express.  The courage to do something that essentially is a risk isn’t found everyday.  You don’t know the outcome and cannot control it once you let go.  I myself am not a risk taker.  I always thought it was easier that way. Was always very controlled but felt like I myself was missing something. It got me thinking about what my mom always would say “how’s that working for ya?”  After awhile my body and soul started to reject the idea of me controlling every aspect of my life.  It was coming from deep inside and I think someone in particular had an influence in that. Someone I know does things to excite her.  She has all these different colors of her soul and shows them.  Just by being around her people seem to have more courage.  She loves hard she plays hard and she works hard.  If things do not work out she deals with it and then moves on to the next thing with the same amount of enthusiasm.  It is rare.  It is beautiful.  It is something I have been working on showing myself.  She isn’t afraid of the outcome because she’s made it through so much already.  I believe that is the definition of courage. 

           People are so scared to believe in something that isn’t guaranteed.  I get it I mean who’s to say your relationships, your career, your faith and beliefs, will actually work out?  The odds are tough in this world.  Things get complicated and we forget how important courage is. But really think about it.  This country was founded on courage.  Standing up for who you are and what you believe in and standing up for what is right.  Even if you feel as though you are standing alone.  At least you stand for something!  Where would we be if everyone just went with the flow?  Didn’t let the colors of their soul make this world a little brighter?  

People are scared to be rejected.  I mean it’s not a good feeling. But it is a way of life.   Rejection doesn’t mean to cower and not try.  If I listened to all the people telling me I cant do something I have no idea where I would be lol but I have a feeling it wouldn’t be amazing. 

          Bottom line is this.  Have the courage everyday to be who you are, feel what you feel, love who you love, and express to those what’s really in your heart.  Only you can really know what’s in there.  You have a choice to bottle it up and let the one get away or take a chance.  You have opportunities everyday to do the right thing.  To stand up for what you really believe in and to make this world more colorful.  The choice my dear is yours.  I cannot force you to have courage but I do know for a fact the world will be a little duller without it.  

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” ― Leo Tolstoy

      In life we find ourselves constantly evolving.  Moving forward, making changes, and living life.  Sometimes, I find it difficult to let go.  I try to hold on to my past I don’t know why but maybe because it’s what’s comfortable.  Change has always frightened me.  Most people don’t know that because I have changed many things about my life many times.  I moved 2,000 miles away from all I knew.  I have picked up the pieces and pushed forward.  There is a difference between picking up the pieces and dealing with things.  It took me 27 years to figure out sweeping things under the rug doesn’t get rid of it.  In fact it causes more of a mess down the road. Harboring all of your emotions because you want to be “tough” is like taking a small dose of poison.  You will eventually have to deal with things and most of the time the damage is done.  All you can do is ask for forgiveness especially from yourself.

  I believe there is a difference between being tough and being strong.  Being tough is about how far you can take a beating whether physical or mental.  You take the abuse and never fire until you explode.  You think asking for help or showing emotion is a sign of weakness.  You must be tough in every aspect because you believe if you show your softer side people will take advantage.  They will exploit you and then you secrets out.  So you have a hardened shell and refuse to feel any emotion.  Showing you have emotions mean you can get a broken heart.  A broken heart means pain and pain is something you would rather live without. 

  Being strong is having the courage to show people your softer side.  When you take a beating you stand up for yourself and be true.  You know your weaknesses and are constantly working on them.  You know people can and most likely will take advantage of your vulnerability but that doesn’t stop you from showing it.  Being strong is showing yourself and others that you feel.  You are not afraid of a broken heart because at least you put your emotions into something.    

  It took me 27 years to realize only you can tear down the walls you have created (or break your hardened shell).  You cannot expect someone else to do it for you.  If you want to find someone to spend the rest of your life with the worst thing you can do is be guarded.  Chances are you’ve had someone in your life that stuck by you and tried so desperately to climb those walls.  But, after so many failed attempts they gave up and moved on.  Now, you finally have to deal with all you swept under the rug.  I think it happens to all of us.  But the difference is the strong person doesn’t let it happen again.

  When you open up your relationships in your life get stronger.  Not just your romantic relationship but all of them (friends and family etc.). You’re not as afraid and you are ready for whatever life throws your way.  It’s hard to explain but once you begin to make changes to be more open it feels like you are traveling to a foreign country alone.  It’s very out of your element and scary.  Don’t run back to comfortable stick with it and you’ll begin feel better and more honest about who you really are.  You are showing the world the real you and after awhile you don’t give a crap what others think of you.  At least you are being honest with yourself and others. 

      

  You cannot change your past you can only learn from it.  So, don’t forget about it just live in the present.  Remember Change is vital.  Sure it’s scary but believe it or not YOU have the strength deep inside to get through anything.  

Life lessons:)

     I'm going to be another year older so it's only natural for me to reflect.

What have I learned so far? Here it goes:

*The person you thought you would spend the rest of your life with you probably won't.

*Life isn't fair and it can suck. But never give up because the reward makes all the less than fair float away

*There is always going to be someone better than you, so be the best with what you got.

*Most people don't do the right thing especially when it's difficult.

*Beauty is literally from the inside out. You find when someone has a beautiful soul they have this inner light that makes them more beautiful on the outside.

*Not everyone has the same morals and code of ethics. Don't bend yours they make you who you are.

*Your heart is stronger than you think. You can break a bone but you cannot break your heart! Someone can make your heart hurt but, its not broken. It will heal in time.

*Sleep isn't overrated. You need it especially if you want to have friends.

*When someone does something nice a simple thank you isn't a suggestion.

*Don't settle because of fear. That's not living life to your full potential.

*Stepping on people to get ahead never turns out the way you want. You will find yourself alone with remorse.

*Before taking criticism first determine whom it is coming from.  Some people just are mean to be mean.  Others actually care and want to help.

*Fighting with crazy people and stupid people is pointless they are never going to get it. However, sometimes it can be a little hilarious.

*Your heart knows how you feel before you do.

*Everyone has their own Jiminy Cricket the smart people listen to it the dumb people stifle it.

*Find what matters most to you and let go of things that don’t.  You will see you have a lot more free time and you smile more.

*Which brings me to my next point.  Wrinkles around your eyes and mouth are a sign of a happy life.  So keep smiling.

*The minute all women realize everyone has cellulite the better we will all feel in a bathing suit.

*As you grow you will understand that life is about quality not quantity.

*Don’t sacrifice who you are for anyone or anything. Once you do the world gets a little dimmer.

*Glitter isn’t gaudy it’s fabulous

*When you find the people that matter most to you don’t let them go.  Unless you have a restraining order then it’s time to give up.

*Cake is to women as beer is to men.  Good in moderation for their waistline.

*Cupcake is portable cake with less guilt. Light beer watered down beer with less fat.

*If you ask someone who is genuinely happy what their secret is they say exercise and finding the love of their life.  The real answer they are wanting to say is “frequent dance parties”

*Everyone is going to go through things in their lives.  It’s not the challenges that make the man it’s how they act during them that do.

*Actions speak louder than words.

Caring what people think is pointless because they are simply caring what you are thinking of them.  So nobody is thinking about anyone else but himself or herself in someone else's eyes.

*When you are wrong apologize and ask for forgiveness. If you don’t get it you tried to make it right.

*Help others see their potential what they do with it is up to them.

*BUT MOST OF ALL: Be kind to one another. Hug longer kiss, laugh, if you love someone tell them before its too late, say goodbye to the ones that have moved on, don’t hold anger, forgive those who seek it, and congratulate those who find the one even if its not you.  Life will work out. You cannot see it now but the reason is in the future.  Look forward to that but don’t miss the adventure that is right in front of you.  Because before you know it you are another year older.