It is kinda weird... all in one day, the lives of several people I know have been turned upside down. I've rediscovered people I once knew and have missed, and some I'd rather forget. And at the same time, several of those people that I have studied for a long time have had things go seriously wrong in their lives.
I'm sure my use of the word "studied" has many people scratching their heads. These just so happen to be the people that I might have mentioned in this blog before. I have used several of them as examples here, and I tend to keep them in the back of my mind when I'm writing posts like these.
It is interesting to note that I have also predicted a lot of these things. Not that I'm psychic or anything, just intuition.
Either way, the whole situation both excites and frustrates me. It kills me to admit that another person's suffering excites me at all, and it is definitely overshadowed by the further pain I feel because of people like these. If they would just wake up and see what life really has to offer... and that also means looking deeper. If one can only see the surface of things, it is much more likely that life will be able to find a way to bring one down.
It is difficult to explain my feelings regarding these people. Many of them, I have had feelings for in the past, and it is an interesting concept seeing them fail (primarily in other relationships). It just makes me think... could I have made a difference?
I tend to feel quite insignificant when it comes to these things... People don't notice me the same way they notice others for some reason. I'm not sure if it has to do with my personality, or perhaps my appearance. Either way, I know that none of them took the chance to look deeper. Because I know I have something more to give.
It is also kinda funny... many of them post quotes of sadness and desperation on Facebook and other places. It upsets me at a deeper level to see this because it makes me feel like I might have been able to make a difference after all. But as I mentioned before, for that to happen, they would have had to look deeper in the first place. Many of these quotes upset me more, because they seem to assume that the world is against them. The fact of the matter is, the world can't be against them because... I'm not. I never was, and don't plan on being so. And the fact of the matter was, I could have been the one to wipe away their tears. But instead, I'm the one wiping my own tears. All because they refused to look deeper.
At the same time, I'm forced to look to the future. They say that when one door shuts, another opens. I might have seen that door. And what is behind that door... is everything I could have ever imagined. The only problem is bridging the gap from here to there. And could it really be everything I'm looking for? Or would it simply be another letdown?
Those types of questions threaten to hold me back from finding something truly special. But I can only hope and believe that once something right finds me... it will all work itself out.
In the end, people seem to be blinded to what really matters. They overlook what they swear matters most to them. And in the end... it costs them dearly. Unfortunately, it costs everyone around them too. Simply because they might be blinded by what has happened, and refuse to accept true happiness when they have a shot at it. It is one of the many principles that inspired the creation of this blog and continues to inspire it today.
And so my search continues for one who has the ability to look deeper. Have I already found what I seek? Or is it just another dead end? I suppose I'll find out one way or another.
And with that... I can only write on. And hope somebody will listen.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Back to the Friend Zone
"He and I are close, but I wouldn't even think about dating him!"
These words have been uttered by so many girls I know. And while I usually observe such stuff from a distance, it has brought to the forefront in my mind recently, because I have been asked for advice by several people who have come to a similar point. I have posted about it in my blog before, but perhaps I should revisit this particular argument, especially since I have been thinking about it a lot lately.
For those who have read my previous post about the "friend zone," you already know whats coming. I have never believed that it should exist.
There are plenty of people who agree with me. There are far too many people who have been rejected because the other person claims they are too close to that person to risk a relationship. What? Did I hear that right? TOO CLOSE? Isn't that what relationships are about?
With that said, I'll get to some of the questions I was asked.
First off, one of the more recent occurrences involving someone I know closely was rather disturbing. She asked me what to do if a guy cried about not being able to spend much time with her. I (assuming she was talking about her boyfriend) told her to take that as a good sign that he was able to open up around her, and not to put it off as weak, the way she had been doing. I'm not sure if I would be able to open up that way to anybody, so anyone who is on the receiving end of a guy showing weakness like that should know that it is also a sign of significant trust.
It was then that she also decided to drop the bombshell. It wasn't her boyfriend she was talking about. It was instead a guy who had been her friend for a long time. She also mentioned that he had liked her for several years now.
Of course, I immediately told her not to simply write him off. She mentioned that she would never like him that way. And so, I was delved back into the realm of the friend zone, as I like to call it.
Prior to that, one of my friends asked me for some advice regarding guys. As usual, one of the biggest pieces of advice I always offer was first: Don't count anyone out. Always keep an open mind. She was accepting of this, and unlike many, actually understood what I was saying. But she also made an interesting point. She mentioned the fact that she had dated within the tight-knit group of friends, and had several relationships that had failed.
Both have an interesting story, and I will address them both in turn.
For the first one, I was a bit surprised at her lack of compassion for this poor guy that she had obviously ignored. Now granted, she also mentioned that she is currently in a new relationship and wants him to move on. That isn't what gets me about this situation, because I agree with it. What really gets me is the fact that she's been ignoring him for years based on the simple logic that: "He isn't my type and I would never consider dating him." To me, this is nothing but a bunch of flawed logic.
First off, that classification of people into "my type" and "not my type" categories is a touchy topic. There are plenty of times when it is warranted, and plenty where it is not. From what I know about the situation, this falls into the second category. While I'm not the right person to be making judgement calls about who is right for whom, I can certainly tell when someone is getting screwed over by the concept of the friend zone. And this is one of those cases.
It just bothers me that people are able to simply say "since he/she is a friend, they've already punched their ticket into the undatables category."
When it comes to the second case that has been in my mind lately, there is a lot more here. And I shouldn't say that she is wrong to be hesitant about continuing to date just friends. She has had some bad experiences with dating close friends in the past and both times resulted in at least partial loss of the friendship.
This is the entire reason that the friend zone exists in the first place. At least, from what I have seen and heard. It exists because people don't want to lose friends if a relationship goes south. Now, at first glance, that is perfectly logical reasoning. But then, if those people are that special to someone, shouldn't they be the first to be considered for a relationship? That irreplaceability is what fuels a strong relationship. As such, relationships with complete strangers are less likely to succeed in the long term because they aren't as irreplaceable as close friends are. Not to mention the fact that friends, especially close friends, know each other very well. There aren't going to be too many secrets or hidden personalities there.
I saw a post on Facebook
As I mentioned, these relationships are not foolproof. Just like any relationship, they could end. That said, I personally believe that they are stronger when friendship was involved first. And I have a couple of reasons for that.
1. There is more at stake, and therefore more reason to keep the relationship alive, even when it is in trouble.
2. Those involved know each other better than strangers or acquaintances do.
3. There is just something... special about friendships blossoming into relationships.
I know, that third one is a bit hazy, but I'm sure many people will agree... there is something special about a friendship catching fire and igniting into something even more.
And that doesn't even cover it all.
To me, the prospect of anyone getting left out because they are "just a friend" is infuriating. As I mentioned before, I always tell people to keep an open mind about relationships. If you start limiting your options by classifying people into categories, then everyone involved is being done a severe disfavor.
I'm not saying people shouldn't have a few people that they wouldn't want to be in a relationship with. I have some myself. What I'm saying instead, is that people should have good reasons why they would never want to date someone. "He/She's just a friend," and "He/She just isn't my type," are not good reasons. Instead, as always, I encourage everyone to look deeper. Why isn't that person your type? Why couldn't that friend become something more? If everyone were able to look deeper, I'm sure that they would see... there is no reason for the friend zone to even exist. Sure, it is taking a risk with a friendship that many don't want to lose. But if you don't take risks, then what do you hope to find? Does anyone really think that playing it safe with complete strangers is really going to yield a good chance of finding something special? Sure, the possibility is still there, but it is a bit more distant.
So how is the friend zone eliminated? As usual, it is much easier said than done. However, all one has to do is allow themselves to open their options up. Don't forfeit standards, but at the same time, allow yourself to evaluate people based on a lot more than their friendship status. Let it call come down to the other person's heart. Doing just that will open up many doors.
And so, to the second girl, all I can say is to keep your head up and don't let the past destroy your future.
Besides, a relationship with a friend has plenty of special flair to it. After all, "relationships are simply friendships caught on fire." There is much more to lose, but at the same time, there is much more reason to hold onto them. Doesn't that alone make them that much more special?
These words have been uttered by so many girls I know. And while I usually observe such stuff from a distance, it has brought to the forefront in my mind recently, because I have been asked for advice by several people who have come to a similar point. I have posted about it in my blog before, but perhaps I should revisit this particular argument, especially since I have been thinking about it a lot lately.
For those who have read my previous post about the "friend zone," you already know whats coming. I have never believed that it should exist.
There are plenty of people who agree with me. There are far too many people who have been rejected because the other person claims they are too close to that person to risk a relationship. What? Did I hear that right? TOO CLOSE? Isn't that what relationships are about?
With that said, I'll get to some of the questions I was asked.
First off, one of the more recent occurrences involving someone I know closely was rather disturbing. She asked me what to do if a guy cried about not being able to spend much time with her. I (assuming she was talking about her boyfriend) told her to take that as a good sign that he was able to open up around her, and not to put it off as weak, the way she had been doing. I'm not sure if I would be able to open up that way to anybody, so anyone who is on the receiving end of a guy showing weakness like that should know that it is also a sign of significant trust.
It was then that she also decided to drop the bombshell. It wasn't her boyfriend she was talking about. It was instead a guy who had been her friend for a long time. She also mentioned that he had liked her for several years now.
Of course, I immediately told her not to simply write him off. She mentioned that she would never like him that way. And so, I was delved back into the realm of the friend zone, as I like to call it.
Prior to that, one of my friends asked me for some advice regarding guys. As usual, one of the biggest pieces of advice I always offer was first: Don't count anyone out. Always keep an open mind. She was accepting of this, and unlike many, actually understood what I was saying. But she also made an interesting point. She mentioned the fact that she had dated within the tight-knit group of friends, and had several relationships that had failed.
Both have an interesting story, and I will address them both in turn.
For the first one, I was a bit surprised at her lack of compassion for this poor guy that she had obviously ignored. Now granted, she also mentioned that she is currently in a new relationship and wants him to move on. That isn't what gets me about this situation, because I agree with it. What really gets me is the fact that she's been ignoring him for years based on the simple logic that: "He isn't my type and I would never consider dating him." To me, this is nothing but a bunch of flawed logic.
First off, that classification of people into "my type" and "not my type" categories is a touchy topic. There are plenty of times when it is warranted, and plenty where it is not. From what I know about the situation, this falls into the second category. While I'm not the right person to be making judgement calls about who is right for whom, I can certainly tell when someone is getting screwed over by the concept of the friend zone. And this is one of those cases.
It just bothers me that people are able to simply say "since he/she is a friend, they've already punched their ticket into the undatables category."
When it comes to the second case that has been in my mind lately, there is a lot more here. And I shouldn't say that she is wrong to be hesitant about continuing to date just friends. She has had some bad experiences with dating close friends in the past and both times resulted in at least partial loss of the friendship.
This is the entire reason that the friend zone exists in the first place. At least, from what I have seen and heard. It exists because people don't want to lose friends if a relationship goes south. Now, at first glance, that is perfectly logical reasoning. But then, if those people are that special to someone, shouldn't they be the first to be considered for a relationship? That irreplaceability is what fuels a strong relationship. As such, relationships with complete strangers are less likely to succeed in the long term because they aren't as irreplaceable as close friends are. Not to mention the fact that friends, especially close friends, know each other very well. There aren't going to be too many secrets or hidden personalities there.
I saw a post on Facebook
As I mentioned, these relationships are not foolproof. Just like any relationship, they could end. That said, I personally believe that they are stronger when friendship was involved first. And I have a couple of reasons for that.
1. There is more at stake, and therefore more reason to keep the relationship alive, even when it is in trouble.
2. Those involved know each other better than strangers or acquaintances do.
3. There is just something... special about friendships blossoming into relationships.
I know, that third one is a bit hazy, but I'm sure many people will agree... there is something special about a friendship catching fire and igniting into something even more.
And that doesn't even cover it all.
To me, the prospect of anyone getting left out because they are "just a friend" is infuriating. As I mentioned before, I always tell people to keep an open mind about relationships. If you start limiting your options by classifying people into categories, then everyone involved is being done a severe disfavor.
I'm not saying people shouldn't have a few people that they wouldn't want to be in a relationship with. I have some myself. What I'm saying instead, is that people should have good reasons why they would never want to date someone. "He/She's just a friend," and "He/She just isn't my type," are not good reasons. Instead, as always, I encourage everyone to look deeper. Why isn't that person your type? Why couldn't that friend become something more? If everyone were able to look deeper, I'm sure that they would see... there is no reason for the friend zone to even exist. Sure, it is taking a risk with a friendship that many don't want to lose. But if you don't take risks, then what do you hope to find? Does anyone really think that playing it safe with complete strangers is really going to yield a good chance of finding something special? Sure, the possibility is still there, but it is a bit more distant.
So how is the friend zone eliminated? As usual, it is much easier said than done. However, all one has to do is allow themselves to open their options up. Don't forfeit standards, but at the same time, allow yourself to evaluate people based on a lot more than their friendship status. Let it call come down to the other person's heart. Doing just that will open up many doors.
And so, to the second girl, all I can say is to keep your head up and don't let the past destroy your future.
Besides, a relationship with a friend has plenty of special flair to it. After all, "relationships are simply friendships caught on fire." There is much more to lose, but at the same time, there is much more reason to hold onto them. Doesn't that alone make them that much more special?
Friday, December 9, 2011
Double Injustice
So, I've been choked out of writing a lot lately. Its been a while since I got a chance to post on the blog. Finals are right around the corner at school, and work is crazy with the holiday season in full swing. I have no more excuses. Just enjoy this. And don't forget to take it to heart, as always.
Once again, I have found another controversy on Facebook. I know, much of what I write about is inspired by things that I read on that site. Either way, a place like that which brings together so many ideas from so many people is actually a really good source of inspiration.
Once again, I came across a "like" on Facebook that made me want to pull my hair out. It was entitled something like "Girls stay with jerks because they hope that someday they'll change." Sounds like a pretty noble statement, and perhaps steps on a lot of what I've been saying here in this blog. But wait just a darn minute! A lot like many things, ahem, this statement might appear to be a perfect and deep explanation at first glance. But give it another read, and think about it really hard. Like many things that look good on the surface, this one is actually not quite so noble underneath.
So, what am I going after here? I'm attacking something that might actually inspire the practice of staying with jerks, something that is a pet peeve of mine. Perhaps even more so, I'm going after a statement that encourages two separate injustices in relationships.
But what about that statement is bad? For those of you still wondering, think about it again. It is essentially encouraging people to stay in bad relationships because of who they hope the other person could become. Not because of who he/she really is. Now, this particular page is directed primarily toward girls, but can easily go both ways. After all, I have known guys to do the same. So what is wrong with this? I see it two ways, one from each side.
First, it is unfair to the person who holds out hope.
Granted, hope itself is never a bad thing. Basing a relationship on hope that someone will change is. The fact of the matter is, people don't change easily. Sure, it happens, but not that often. False hope is the easiest way to a broken heart. Especially when that hope rests on someone else changing.
It also robs that person of the ability to have a truly fulfilling relationship. It is hard to feel truly fulfilled in a relationship when you want the other person to become someone different. Sure, there will be people out there who claim they're perfectly content, and even overjoyed in a relationship with some jerk that they're holding out hope for. But the fact of the matter is, have these people felt what it is truly like to be in a REAL relationship where both people love one another for who they are? Okay, I haven't, so I'm not going to pretend I'm the expert. But still... if you only give it some deeper thought, I'm sure your heart will tell you the same thing.
That said, I won't disagree that overlooking flaws is a crucial part of a relationship. However, there is a line drawn there. There is an often hazy line between overlooking flaws... and flat out ignoring them. It is important to have values when it comes to a person's heart. Simple flaws like mistakes and bad habits can be lived with. However, flaws with the heart, such as outright disrespect for other people, are often overlooked, and really shouldn't be. Those are the types of flaws that ought to encourage others to stay away, not be drawn to the source like they usually are.
At the same time, it is perhaps even more unfair to the person who is expected to change.
Perhaps "expected" isn't the right word, but it seemed to fit. Either way, it is probably even more unfair to the other person.
First of all, just about anybody in a relationship, good or otherwise, will tell you that they expect one thing from a relationship: to be loved for who they are. How can one say that they love their partner in a relationship if they are secretly (or otherwise) holding out hope that the other will change. Sure, it is one thing to ask for another person to change things like lifestyle, habits, and some others. However, the limits shouldn't be pushed, and furthermore, asking or hoping that another will change who they are is like a slap in the face. And by "who they are," I'm talking about who they are at heart. I know that if I was in a relationship, and the other person asked me to change, for instance, the fact that I am shy. I would be pretty upset and put off by that. Not to mention that I would lose a bit of trust that the other person does actually love me for who I am. Now, being shy and being a jerk in some way, shape, or form are completely different things. But at the same time, they are parts of who any person is at heart.
Essentially, if you don't like them for who they are at the beginning, a relationship should be the farthest thing from your mind.
As I mentioned before, people have to choose to change on their own. A person who is asked to change usually only becomes more resistant to change. It is a decision which only ONE person can make. And it has to be a decision that said person approves of. Otherwise, it is only bound to fail.
And that brings me to another important point.
It is okay to hope that another person will change. But doing so during a relationship is unfair to both involved.
And I couldn't help but throw this in there but... it is also unfair to others. Okay, I might be taking it a bit far here, but thanks to what I've seen and experienced, I have to say something.
It is unfair to those others who would provide a more secure and stable relationship. What are they getting for their efforts? It seems a bit unfair that those who are truly good people are shunned, while those who would make a good match for them are too busy hoping that a bad person will change their ways to notice.
Even worse is when I hear people complain about it. I am always hearing (mostly girls) complaining about the flaws of guys like these. Especially in the aftermath of a particularly bad relationship, I catch these people wondering where all the good people are in the world. I hold my tongue, but at the same time, my head is screaming: "YOU MISSED 'EM ALL BECAUSE YOU WERE TOO BUSY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME AROUND!"
Even worse are those people who go into a relationship intending to change someone. Once again, the prime culprits here are girls (hey, just from my point of view), who seem to take changing a bad boy as a challenge. And we all know who will lose in the end. I won't go any farther into this one, because based on what I have already said, I don't think this deserves any more explanation.
Once again, people can and do change. But it is rare. And at the same time, going into a relationship with someone you want to change is unfair to both people involved, and perhaps many more. All I am trying to get at here is the fact that far too many people enter into relationships without looking deeper, and understanding the difference between a good heart and a bad heart. But then, do any of us? All I can do is trust my heart to tell me what to look for and what to be careful of.
Once again, I have found another controversy on Facebook. I know, much of what I write about is inspired by things that I read on that site. Either way, a place like that which brings together so many ideas from so many people is actually a really good source of inspiration.
Once again, I came across a "like" on Facebook that made me want to pull my hair out. It was entitled something like "Girls stay with jerks because they hope that someday they'll change." Sounds like a pretty noble statement, and perhaps steps on a lot of what I've been saying here in this blog. But wait just a darn minute! A lot like many things, ahem, this statement might appear to be a perfect and deep explanation at first glance. But give it another read, and think about it really hard. Like many things that look good on the surface, this one is actually not quite so noble underneath.
So, what am I going after here? I'm attacking something that might actually inspire the practice of staying with jerks, something that is a pet peeve of mine. Perhaps even more so, I'm going after a statement that encourages two separate injustices in relationships.
But what about that statement is bad? For those of you still wondering, think about it again. It is essentially encouraging people to stay in bad relationships because of who they hope the other person could become. Not because of who he/she really is. Now, this particular page is directed primarily toward girls, but can easily go both ways. After all, I have known guys to do the same. So what is wrong with this? I see it two ways, one from each side.
First, it is unfair to the person who holds out hope.
Granted, hope itself is never a bad thing. Basing a relationship on hope that someone will change is. The fact of the matter is, people don't change easily. Sure, it happens, but not that often. False hope is the easiest way to a broken heart. Especially when that hope rests on someone else changing.
It also robs that person of the ability to have a truly fulfilling relationship. It is hard to feel truly fulfilled in a relationship when you want the other person to become someone different. Sure, there will be people out there who claim they're perfectly content, and even overjoyed in a relationship with some jerk that they're holding out hope for. But the fact of the matter is, have these people felt what it is truly like to be in a REAL relationship where both people love one another for who they are? Okay, I haven't, so I'm not going to pretend I'm the expert. But still... if you only give it some deeper thought, I'm sure your heart will tell you the same thing.
That said, I won't disagree that overlooking flaws is a crucial part of a relationship. However, there is a line drawn there. There is an often hazy line between overlooking flaws... and flat out ignoring them. It is important to have values when it comes to a person's heart. Simple flaws like mistakes and bad habits can be lived with. However, flaws with the heart, such as outright disrespect for other people, are often overlooked, and really shouldn't be. Those are the types of flaws that ought to encourage others to stay away, not be drawn to the source like they usually are.
At the same time, it is perhaps even more unfair to the person who is expected to change.
Perhaps "expected" isn't the right word, but it seemed to fit. Either way, it is probably even more unfair to the other person.
First of all, just about anybody in a relationship, good or otherwise, will tell you that they expect one thing from a relationship: to be loved for who they are. How can one say that they love their partner in a relationship if they are secretly (or otherwise) holding out hope that the other will change. Sure, it is one thing to ask for another person to change things like lifestyle, habits, and some others. However, the limits shouldn't be pushed, and furthermore, asking or hoping that another will change who they are is like a slap in the face. And by "who they are," I'm talking about who they are at heart. I know that if I was in a relationship, and the other person asked me to change, for instance, the fact that I am shy. I would be pretty upset and put off by that. Not to mention that I would lose a bit of trust that the other person does actually love me for who I am. Now, being shy and being a jerk in some way, shape, or form are completely different things. But at the same time, they are parts of who any person is at heart.
Essentially, if you don't like them for who they are at the beginning, a relationship should be the farthest thing from your mind.
As I mentioned before, people have to choose to change on their own. A person who is asked to change usually only becomes more resistant to change. It is a decision which only ONE person can make. And it has to be a decision that said person approves of. Otherwise, it is only bound to fail.
And that brings me to another important point.
It is okay to hope that another person will change. But doing so during a relationship is unfair to both involved.
And I couldn't help but throw this in there but... it is also unfair to others. Okay, I might be taking it a bit far here, but thanks to what I've seen and experienced, I have to say something.
It is unfair to those others who would provide a more secure and stable relationship. What are they getting for their efforts? It seems a bit unfair that those who are truly good people are shunned, while those who would make a good match for them are too busy hoping that a bad person will change their ways to notice.
Even worse is when I hear people complain about it. I am always hearing (mostly girls) complaining about the flaws of guys like these. Especially in the aftermath of a particularly bad relationship, I catch these people wondering where all the good people are in the world. I hold my tongue, but at the same time, my head is screaming: "YOU MISSED 'EM ALL BECAUSE YOU WERE TOO BUSY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME AROUND!"
Even worse are those people who go into a relationship intending to change someone. Once again, the prime culprits here are girls (hey, just from my point of view), who seem to take changing a bad boy as a challenge. And we all know who will lose in the end. I won't go any farther into this one, because based on what I have already said, I don't think this deserves any more explanation.
Once again, people can and do change. But it is rare. And at the same time, going into a relationship with someone you want to change is unfair to both people involved, and perhaps many more. All I am trying to get at here is the fact that far too many people enter into relationships without looking deeper, and understanding the difference between a good heart and a bad heart. But then, do any of us? All I can do is trust my heart to tell me what to look for and what to be careful of.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks
So here we are on Thanksgiving. I've realized, like most people do on Thanksgiving, that I obviously don't give thanks often enough for what I have. Instead, I tend to focus on the negative.
That seems to be especially prominent here in my blog. I have the tendency to focus on what I don't have.
That said, it is important to stop and mention the many things that I have to be thankful for.
Some of the more obvious ones such as health, food, shelter, and the like are always on the list. But, the more I think about it, the more I realize that my thankfulness should extend far beyond that.
I have a wonderful family; one that loves, supports, and cares for me. So often, I see people take this for granted. It is sad to see that, but at the same time, I can make sure I don't. And I'm happy to say that I am extremely close to my family.
And more recently, I've realized that I've been missing a very important part of that list.
Now, my friends have always been at the top of my "thankful" list. I don't think there are too many people who leave them out. But I have gotten to thinking a lot more lately about how my friends have really helped to shape the person I am today.
It truly starts back in grade school and junior high. My friends and I were the isolated group. We didn't have the connection to many of the bad things in the world that others did. To that end, we never had any interest in them to begin with. We were rarely judgemental of one another (though it did happen from time to time), and we didn't care much for a lot of drama.
I can't help but feel my upbringing with that particular group of friends followed me into high school, and had a hand in helping me get through unscathed by many of the temptations people encounter there. Now, I'm trying to say that I'm better than any other people. However, the lives of many fall apart after high school. And it all starts there. So, thanks to my friends, I made it through.
And even now, as my life continues, I am further bombarded by the many temptations this life has to offer. But thanks to what my friends have given me, I have some ground to stand on, even when I haven't yet found my light.
In essence, I could be a completely different person today if not for my friends. They gave me the tools to succeed in life, and I plan on using those tools.
That is why, this Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for my friends. The ones that have stuck with me through all these years, despite what I may, or may not have done. These are what true friends are all about. And it looks to me like I have no shortage of them.
In light of that, I have so much to be thankful for. Despite what it might seem. And while my posts on the blog will probably return to their normal, somewhat dreary, outlook after this, I cannot forget to be grateful for what I DO have. And like many others, what I have is often much more than I realize at times.
That seems to be especially prominent here in my blog. I have the tendency to focus on what I don't have.
That said, it is important to stop and mention the many things that I have to be thankful for.
Some of the more obvious ones such as health, food, shelter, and the like are always on the list. But, the more I think about it, the more I realize that my thankfulness should extend far beyond that.
I have a wonderful family; one that loves, supports, and cares for me. So often, I see people take this for granted. It is sad to see that, but at the same time, I can make sure I don't. And I'm happy to say that I am extremely close to my family.
And more recently, I've realized that I've been missing a very important part of that list.
Now, my friends have always been at the top of my "thankful" list. I don't think there are too many people who leave them out. But I have gotten to thinking a lot more lately about how my friends have really helped to shape the person I am today.
It truly starts back in grade school and junior high. My friends and I were the isolated group. We didn't have the connection to many of the bad things in the world that others did. To that end, we never had any interest in them to begin with. We were rarely judgemental of one another (though it did happen from time to time), and we didn't care much for a lot of drama.
I can't help but feel my upbringing with that particular group of friends followed me into high school, and had a hand in helping me get through unscathed by many of the temptations people encounter there. Now, I'm trying to say that I'm better than any other people. However, the lives of many fall apart after high school. And it all starts there. So, thanks to my friends, I made it through.
And even now, as my life continues, I am further bombarded by the many temptations this life has to offer. But thanks to what my friends have given me, I have some ground to stand on, even when I haven't yet found my light.
In essence, I could be a completely different person today if not for my friends. They gave me the tools to succeed in life, and I plan on using those tools.
That is why, this Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for my friends. The ones that have stuck with me through all these years, despite what I may, or may not have done. These are what true friends are all about. And it looks to me like I have no shortage of them.
In light of that, I have so much to be thankful for. Despite what it might seem. And while my posts on the blog will probably return to their normal, somewhat dreary, outlook after this, I cannot forget to be grateful for what I DO have. And like many others, what I have is often much more than I realize at times.
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