Reality - staring at you square in face. It's there and always has been. Then, why do we choose not to believe? Why do we make excuses, turn the blind eye, and pretend like things are different? You can try to run from it, but as you round the next corner there it is. It hits you hard in the chest; you can scarcely breathe.
Our mind is a fickle thing. It can play tricks on us and force us to believe what we want to - almost a protection mechanism. Because, if we were to see the truth it might break us. And would we choose to believe it even if we knew it be true?
The time had come to face reality. It's been a long and windy road, but finally we're here. Realization. In order to set your mind free you must acknowledge it. You will weep. You will scream. You will put up a fight. But, in the end the pain will subside and you will finally be free.
Life goes on; it's inevitable. You can either choose to go with it or be stuck forever. An unchanging spiral of somber. You will not be stuck.
Facing this is the hardest thing you've ever had to do. But, you've shyed away from it for too long. Time to stand up for what is right; for what is true; for yourself and wellbeing. You will not be pushed around any longer. You are no one's second choice and you will not be taken for granted.

So long, reserved and submissive self. Make way for a better, stronger you.

memor vivo

Do you ever feel like things are falling apart... you don't know if you can go on or if things can ever get better? At times you may feel like those you love are leaving you and might not return. At times you might want to give up because it's not worth it; you're not worth it. You might make a few mistakes that you're unsure can be mended. And, you might want to hide, weep, and shut yourself off. There are times you forget to laugh, to smile, to play. These days are filled with sorrow, broken heartedness, regret, and defeat.

Don't give up. These days will pass. In time, you will feel the warmth and carefree spirit of life. Embrace it like a long, lost lover. You WILL move on, and your life will be bigger and better than you could have ever imagined. Every dark night brings a new dawn - a chance to start over. You're mistakes are only lessons learned. You are stronger because of them. In the face of fear, you will prevail victorious. There's no regret; no pain. You will defeat your demons and face new ones with more vigour and courage than you ever had before.

Those who sought to bring you down are not worth your time or energy. You should never have to prove yourself to anybody. Just... be. You may not know who you are, but you know who you want to become. Don't let others get in your way in becoming that person. You are a beam of light, a ray of sunshine. You will light up the life of others with yours. Dance naked in your living room. Laugh often. Smile always. Play with the jovial air of youth.

But most of all: memor vivo - remember to live.

Speeding Trains

Life is like a speeding train. Look out the window a moment and you'll see a vast field of wheat. Look again and you'll find a towering mountain or a placid lake. Such is life - ever changing.
It may, at times, feel like the train is out of control and headed for sure disaster. You don't know when the ride will be over or even where it's taking you. There are bends, twists, and tunnels. And on this train passengers seemlessly come and go, but you remain. You are the conductor, the steward, the passenger. The trains goes where you steer. Your only map is in your heart.
If you're ever on the train and happen to see me, don't be shy - stay awhile. We'll have tea, talk of the weather, and maybe play a game of cards. And, who knows, maybe we'll be headed for the same destination.
Life is a speeding train. Enjoy the ride.

Our Place

It's where we had our first real encounter. There we were telling jokes and stories without a care in the world. How could we have known that this tiny wooden bench would support such a great relationship. You told me your past and I told you the future. We grew together and helped one another through times of sadness, of pain, but also of joy. You took my hand, but I already had my arm around you. Those crisp summer nights with a bottle of wine (or 2) were unforgettable. And those stars... I could have just as easily got lost in you. When the cold night air blew, you wrapped yourself around me and kept eachother warm. Then you kiss me softly and the world is ours for a moment. No need for words. I already know. This is more than a bench. This is our place.