Heart on Fire for Another ... Better be for YOU too...

‎"You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own." - Eleanor Doan

There Has Come a Point

There has come a point in my life where I realize that living isn’t living without a little risk; that a little mystery and rug cuttin' never hurt anybody. I learned that family can drive you all-the-way crazy and it make you fly more than 2,000 miles just to see them. I’ve learned that living isn't living without some drama and family feuds, without stirring up the pot of the things "not to talk about" and call it like it is. I’ve also learned the kind of fires that that ignites and I've witnessed the many years it can take to forgive those who’ve burned you. I've learned that laughter is truly an amazing medicine and saying something nice to a stranger may shock them but that's when you know the world still needs it. I've learned that love comes in all shapes and sizes. It tries to squeeze through holes like roaches and rats in New York City and it will break down barriers if you give it enough time to muster. I've learned that good things don't look like gold all the time but with money, surgery and access you can make $10 look like $10 million. And I've learned that even when you look, make or have 10 million, you're heart can look like scum that feeds off scum. I've also learned that only God can help you at any point but once you've reached places close to scum, you tend to reach your hands higher; you tend to gain perspective and it's in those realizations that your character shows! I've learned that life taken too seriously will have you fail everyday in love and if you live your life wondering "what if" you may miss the "right now". I've learned that fantasy doesn't kill anyone and its perfectly fine to talk about, read about and implement but when you mix that up with your reality, you can miss out on the chaotic, real, rollercoaster that is YOUR life. And I've learned it’s not worth missing! I've realized the one thing that keeps you inspired beyond tired eyes, hectic schedules and life's bitter and annoying moments, is the one thing that you're supposed to do. "If you wake up every morning and all you can think about is singing, than baby, you’re supposed to be a singer!" (Sister Act 2) I’ve learned that when love pulls at you, you’ll either run, pull back or learn to just give in. And if you fall in love with something you like, you're closer than most people will ever be to discovering your purpose. I've learned that life will lead you onto some messed up, dirty, run down, rocky roads but if you never learned how to drive them, you'd never be prepared for the larger gaps in road that lie ahead. If you weren't hurt, you'd never know which aisle the bandaids are on and if you were never burned, you'd never see where self-development enters. You would have never let vulnerabilities set up shop or painful realities begin to show their root on the core of what we see as your bitterness. If you never had a bad friend, you'd never know the good one you had and if you never saw trouble, you'd never know which places to find security. I’ve learned that a smile can be seen from within and I can tell those who are faking it. I've learned that a hug can squeeze out doubt and pain and pack in love and understanding. I've learned that differences make you smarter and love makes you stronger. I've realized to never mess up your support system and accountability beats arrogance. I've learned time has this crazy play on our lives where it can feel like it's never going to end and also feel like it's flown faster than you ever thought possible. I've learned to breathe in the moment and yes, take pictures, but don't spend time filling up your external memory card, but rather engage in the memory computing right now. Live with the joy that tomorrow is coming but try not to spoil the joy of right now. I've learned to simply smile and with each inhale - and forgive... Forgiveness is directly tied to your growth and it's amazing how much you can grow externally and how young you can end up internally. I've learned initiative is a beautiful and delicate action for which you will be grateful to explore and learn, so dare try! And at the end- believe in what you don't see, even if it’s something about you…