Life can pull some of the most cruel pranks with a vicious tilted grin and zero apologies offered, but between the muted rays of sunlight and gray shaded clouds rests a heart that still beats with intent.
We've all been there before, haven't we? That deep down feeling of guilt or shame, the creeping anxiety like a stealthy spider slowly walking up our spine, or the breathless way we suffocate when every molecule of air feels like fire inside our lungs. It's not a pleasant way to spend a day or even a few minutes of this thing we call life. It's a downright horrible feeling that instigates a fight between heart and soul as our shadow weaves webs of distress deep within, luring us with the aroma of sweet escape into it's hungry trap.
It's not easy to decipher the code and rewrite our programming. If it was as simple as walking outside the front door and absorbing sunlight as we breathe in unpolluted air then life might be fairly boring once the cycle repeats itself over and over and over again. Sure, that fresh air and clear blue sky sounds tempting, but it's also one side of a coin that continually spins in the air as we drift between the night and day of our emotions and daily interactions. This is the calm before the storm, the shadow lurking behind us as we smile toward the ocean on our beach vacations.
This is not the bad situation we perceive it to be. It's a matter of perspective and allowing ourselves to view all angles of the situation before jumping to a conclusion that leads us to lean too far to one side or the other. Balancing between the black and white, the good and the bad, is what many of us struggle to do as we choose sides of an equation rather than becoming the whole equation itself. It's much easier said then done, but it's still possible to train ourselves to reach a point where we can find a better balance between life's ups and downs.
The moments we teeter and emotions we exaggerate upon situations that befall us offer weight to keep us grounded. We are allowed the option to distribute said weight as we see fit, but it is within those moments that we often overcompensate which leads to more severe cases of unbalance. It's tricky and may take time to understand how to properly balance everything until we hit our limitless zen moment, though it is possible and could require a helping hand or two from friends, family, or sometimes complete strangers. Don't let yourself believe your extra weight is a burden that sinks the whole ship when it's simply an awkward couch that requires two to carry. You won't always achieve proper feng shui if you plan on doing everything yourself. A home is built on the love catered between people sharing lives [together and apart].
Focus on the positive aspects in life. Our brains create the negative by obsessively thinking about what we perceive as wrong rather than a step toward something greater. A mistake is a learning experience. A party foul is one beer down and another to pick up as we avoid whatever happened prior. We have to see the building blocks as foundations to build ourselves up. We plant seeds and our tears water them to help them grow into beautifully colorful life.
Close your eyes and think about everything that makes you smile. Think about your favorite food, a close friend, or an event that lasted long in your mind after it ended. Bring that smile with you as you open your eyes and let it guide your day. Allow it to perceive the greatness within the following hours.
Remember the sun that shines after the rain stops. Remember the rainbow that appears in the lingering mist. These memories of the past once again surface in reality when we allow ourselves to see them. We see the sun because our eyes are open. We feel the warmth because we stepped outside of our living quarters.
Not every day will be easy. Not every day will be clear skies. It's up to us to see the shine through the clouds when we know we need it. We might not think we deserve it, but we definitely earned it. We have worked hard to establish our homes, the structures within from our children to best friends to the moments between. We have battled ourselves and let ourselves fall into our own traps, but we can do this. We can do this together, as a family. We can achieve anything.
If someone dares to tell you that you cannot or will not achieve your goals and reach happiness then let them go. We need people to challenge us, but not people that discourage us. The people willing to take our hands and celebrate our victories as they challenge you to reach the next step are here. Maybe they're your friends and maybe they're the person you're about to introduce yourself to today.
Your struggles don't define you, but the actions you take to make yourself will create a person better than you imagined.
Don't be afraid to smile. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't let yourself think waking up today isn't an accomplishment. You don't need to take big steps every day. You don't need to write a book and become a published author overnight or get a million views on Youtube within a day.
I'm glad you woke up. I'm happy you smiled. I'm overjoyed that you are my friend today or will become my friend tomorrow.
I will love you forever and always.
Love,
Xander
Remember: If you need help, are feeling anxious, depressed, or need someone to get you through the next five minutes don't hesitate to reach out. You have friends and family that care about you. I may or may not know you well, but I will jump in that pool and swim with you if you feel like you're drowning. We got you. Today and every day. Don't hit the pause button and call, text, or reach out in any way possible to bring back the sun in your life. We need you more than you know.
@missy @rambo
