from my grad assignment on coping with stress... awesome picture

Realization

I am learning to be self-responsible / to recognize that we are the author of our choices and actions; that we must be the ultimate source of our own fulfillment; that no one is coming to make our life right for us, or make us happy, or give us self-esteem.
Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D.

No one is coming to save us

Smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking.
When there are clouds in the sky
you'll get by.

If you smile through your pain and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun shining through
For you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying.
You'll find that life is still worthwhile-
If you just smile.

over a year...

is it incredible how much can happen in a year

someone can come back from a cliff, return to sanity, see love and beauty, enjoy nature and expereince enjoying life by simply living it

there is not need to run

there is not nees to hide

eventhough bad things happen and sometimes people make you feel sad, that is not the end all be all of who you are

you are better than the people who hurt you

and you are better due to the people who love you