Friday, December 3, 2010

Most Importantly, Love Yourself

If life were easy to figure out then naturally it would be far less entertaining along the way. Sometimes it feels like a collection of movies cut and edited into one long saga. Some parts are sleepers, some are action-packed; some are sultry love scenes and some are full of tears. I have reached a point in life where I have to wonder if I am the director of my own film or if I am simply just the actress in the leading role. Of course I make decisions, both small scale and large, but am I just following a pre-determined script? I have to wonder if life is a marathon movie loosely based on previously written compositions.

It is impossible not to critically consider my perception of reality. Unfortunately, there are no fast-forward, rewind, or pause buttons to assist with the analysis; just a continuously running reel of emotions, events, and decisions. There are times when the film strip seems twisted in the projector and the future of the film is in question. Yet, somehow the strip always finds a way to untangles itself, and the movie resumes, sometimes of even better quality than before.

There are moments when you feel compelled to step out of the theater for a bathroom break to really evaluate what the heck is going on. Unfortunately, there is no reason to attempt to figure it out. You see, life just happens. Whether it plot how you want it or not, it happens. So, when an opportunity arrises, take it; when someone says, "Hello," say, "Hi," back; and when the wind is knocked out of your sails you had better start making some waves. Life does not wait.


Life is such a huge concept that I wish for one moment I could completely understand. Instead, here I sit, in the corner of my room, in the middle of a small town, surrounded by the rest of the world; however, all I can feel are my emotions and all I can hear are my thoughts. Most of the time I cannot even figure those out, so trying to hear and feel the rest of the world's would be slightly overwhelming.


At 23 years old I have discovered very important statutes to live by:
Take what you learn and apply it anywhere and everywhere possible.
Decide how you want to be treated and do not be content with anything less.
Never settle for monotony when there is someone or something out there to challenge you.
Most importantly, love yourself, because no one will ever know how to love you if they cannot learn from the best possible example.