the choice is up to me

We all start life as a little tree,

Who wonders, "Someday what will I be?

A mighty oak, so STRONG and tall?

Or perhaps a shrub, dense and small?

Maybe an aspen that shivers and shakes?

Or maybe the pine that the snow can't break?

Or could I be a NEW tree one all my own--

One the world has never before known.

Who will I become? The choice is up to me.

The little things I do each day will determine who I'll be."

-Unknown

Until next time,

A

who am I?

I'm Jean Valjean!

Just kidding. :)

You know those days?  Those days where you just can't quite figure out who you are?  Or where you fit in?  Or why you are living in the very place you are?  Or why you are surrounded by the people around you?  Or how, sometimes, it seems like everyone else knows exactly what they are supposed to do, and what they want from life, and how to get there?  And they just seem so happy?

Well, it has seemed like that a lot lately.  And don't get me wrong.  I love who I am and where I am and all my friends, but it just seems like everyone knows something.  Like they've all been let in on this little secret that seems to be making them so darn happy. Jealous!

So it's got me thinking.  How do I make myself feel like I fit in with all of this?  How do I stop myself from dwelling on the idea that I don't fit in.  That I'm somehow sticking out-in a bad way.  Even though I'm not.  Ya know?  Ha probably not. 

Let me rephrase.  How do I stop judging them for their happiness and join them instead?  How can I make myself one of those people that others are jealous of because they seem to have it all put together?

The truth is, I can't.  Because no one really does have it all put together.  Everyone has those moments, those questions, those worries, those wonders.  About themselves and who they are, and where they are, and why, and how, and what to do. 

So don't dwell on it!  Be happy.  Live your life.  The way that you want to.  Be who you want to be.  Just do it!  Discover the answers on the way, and enjoy the ride.

"There never was another like you in the world.  God throws the mold away every time he makes a man...I think he made you what you are in order that you might do some particular thing better than anyone else in the world could do it."

-Hugh B. Brown

So, after thinking about this stuff a lot-probably too much..-I decided that I am where I am right now for a very specific reason.  I don't know what it is right now, and I might not ever know.  But I am. 

So I am making a promise to myself.  Right now.  That no matter what, I will live my life.  So that I can fulfil my very specific purpose.  So that some day, I will be able to look back and recognize that everything I'm feeling, and everything that is happening is all for the best, and that it made a difference to someone, even if that someone is just little ol' me.

Here's my promise in more eloquent words:

"Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.  Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.  Make all your friends feel there is something in them.  Look at the sunny side of everything.  Think only the best, work for only the best, and expect only the best...Give everyone a smile.  Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others."

-Christian D. Larsen

So, make a promise with me.  Don't judge others for their happines, instead, make yourself so happy you don't have to!  Yes, cheesey, but try it.  Because I think it might just work!

So who am I?  I'm ME! 

Exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Exactly who I'm supposed to be.
Exactly how I'm supposed to be.
Exactly.

Brave.
Strong.
Determined.
Positive.
Living life to the fullest.
Smart.
Happy.
Diligent.
Improving.
Me.

Try it.

Until next time,

A