A reminder to me and everyone who will listen: Learn to be happy.

[xiane]

You're not dead. That's always the first place to start. Look, you're alive, and you have the chance to grow and change and move forward.

You're not starving. You've got a roof over your head.

Unless you're one of the few people on my friends list that are unsure of this statement, you have possessions. Probably more than you need, too. Definitely more than you need to survive. Luxury items. [a few of my friends are from the LA/MS area. Obviously, this may not apply.]

Someone loves you. Even if you don't know it. Even if you don't believe it.

...

I know it is hard to be cheerful when life hands you adversity. Life is HARD. It is unpredictable, and change is difficult to handle... sometimes it feels like the world is ending when life hands you a particularly cruel swing of fate.
But there is always UP. If there is life, there is hope, as the old cliche goes. And it is true.

Things change. People leave, or worse, die. Jobs are lost. Property is destroyed or left behind. Loss of any sort is devastating.
But... we are shaped by how we handle change. We learn less from times of ease than we do from times of strife.

Change is, and there is definitely a time to get upset about it. But you are alive. There is the possibility to learn and grow and move up from that point. Don't lose sight of that in the mourning, and don't forget that you are not alone, even if you are convinced that you are.

Comments

[onceupon.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much, sweetheart. I was just having a seriously hard moment, struggling with how very wrong I was about someone, with how very little difference I apparently made in their life. This helps. I'm glad you posted it.

[xiane.livejournal.com]

You know, sometimes the differences we make don't show themselves until much later. I can tell you that you've made one in mine; your attitude, intelligence, and care colour my world with goodness.

Thank you for letting ME know that I made a difference, too. I'm all teary-eyed today with empathy, I swear. I'm so pleased that I can do something, anything, to make the world better... even for a few moments.

Oh my goodness, I'm a crybaby. :D

[onceupon.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, you TOTALLY make a difference. In this case, I stupidly clicked over to Frank's journal after seeing something referenced in someone ELSE'S journal and it just seems like he is totally a million times happier without me and he's so thrilled with his new girlfriend and etc etc etc. It was kind of ouchy to read.

I am totally lucky to have known you -- for years at this point! We're, like, old friends and stuff. *grin* You make the world a better place, hon.

[xiane.livejournal.com]

... you know, I was going to reply with something disparaging about Frank's taste. But then I thought about it. Maybe you're just too much for him. Not every guy can handle a woman as amazing as you. <3

We've known each other for like, forever, in internet time!

[onceupon.livejournal.com]

*hug*

You rawk, you know that?

Seriously, I was thinking about it the other day.... I knew you and jos from the plusgoths list, which means way before I got a livejournal.... Which means over four years!

That is SO LONG!

[xiane.livejournal.com]

YOU rawk! WE rawk! Wooo! [wound up now!]

If I remember correctly, Plusgoths started in 1998? Jos and I were like number one and two to join. I don't remember when you joined up, but that implies a mucho long time!

[onceupon.livejournal.com]

I think I joined in '99 or '00.... Wow.

No wonder I love you both so much. You're like family you've been around so long!

[xiane.livejournal.com]

We're like the family you learn to love.

*giggle*

[onceupon.livejournal.com]

But I wouldn't be embarassed to introduce you to my friends, unlike some of the rest of my family. *grin*

[krasota.livejournal.com]

This is about my shampoo, isn't it?

I'd slurp you, but I have a cold sore coming on. Instead, I'll make silly faces at you and remind you that you, too, are loved.

[xiane.livejournal.com]

You might not have shampoo, but you have awesome conditioner!

Gimme silly faces! I love 'em! And you!

[newdance.livejournal.com]

[xiane.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I hope someone gets something out of my rambling. :)

[newdance.livejournal.com]

:) I did.

[bestiame.livejournal.com]

this means a lot to me. it's been so hard recently, and to top it all off is the feeling that, because of my personal struggles, i can't see past the end of my nose.

i know you didn't, but it feels like you wrote this for me. you are awesome.

[crossbonesdj.livejournal.com]

thank you for saying this.

[redzshadow.livejournal.com]

You are so right! I am finding change is happening in force right now. What you said really helps to hear. Thank you.

[inefficiency.livejournal.com]

I dare say I'm even luckier than most, as I'm able to claim you as mine in love, for now and forever.

[seeliespright.livejournal.com]

That's very sweet of you.

It's hard, but it speaks to many situations in my life.

[oberstgreup.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Chris.

Every day I draw breath is a gift. I try to remember this when the little crap threatens to bog me down.

And you are an inspiration in that you never seem to forget it even when the little crap (and even not-so-little crap) is trying to bog you down too.

[willowhungry.livejournal.com]

Hey.
So you don't think I'm just some freak - I knew your boyfriend from Ship (we went to school together) and you and I met briefly there at a dance.
I just wanted to write and say thank you for your post.
I've been in a major funk lately about life and my job and what you wrote really made me stop and think.
So, thank you.

I know who you are! Hello!

[xiane.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm really happy that my little moment of insight seems to have touched so many people.

I think I've seen you post to some of Sarah B's posts too. And I wouldn't think you're some freak. Well... no more than any of my friends ;)

We all need each other. Especially when times are tough.

[inefficiency.livejournal.com]

For the record, she's also an excellent person whom it's easy to learn a lot from without really trying.

[willowhungry.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)