it’s very difficult for me to realize that not everyone cares to the same extent that i do.

actually, they may care the same amount, but in a different way.

i’ve read books, listened to podcasts, etc.

i still have people telling me that i shouldn’t get so upset about things, but it’s a hard thing for me to grasp and apply to my life.

i take offense, assume, and worry about things i have no control over.

…or tell myself i have no control over.

i’ve realized this is a pattern in my life, but i’ve always been self-aware enough to talk about it.

addressing our own demons is a difficult thing to do and it’s a long process. we all have these demons…some may be more prevalent than others but they are real. very real.

it’s very easy to get down and beat ourselves up when we slip back into our insecurities and doubts.

let me say this, though. if we think back on everything that has led us to where we are now…how much time it has taken for us to build up doubts within ourselves that others may not know we have…

are we allowing ourselves the time to work through these demons, self-doubts, and insecurities?

this isn’t an overnight resolve. it’s a constant process. it involves us loving ourselves enough to admit our faults, but also knowing they do not define us.

we are never failing as long as we continue working to become our best selves.

i know baby joss would tell me and everyone else that everything will be okay.

please know this, recognize this, and let’s do our best to practice this,

i’m rooting for us.

The words of his songs, especially this one, ring so true that I feel my eardrums may burst every time I listen.

letting go has been a constant theme in my life. letting go of expectations, hurt, fear of the unknown, etc. but i’m beginning to just let it be. no changing, no fixing, no seeking for a way to resolve all the problems. when you do this, when you allow yourself to rest and have peace within yourself, then you allow room for personal growth and self-love.

recently, i’ve been reading about the art of happiness and how it comes about. many people have told me to “just be happy”, but this isn’t a simple thing for everyone. i mean, i’m not an unhappy person and i’m grateful for many things in my life, but at times little things creep in before i even realize it. clouded by our doubts and worries, it’s difficult to see through to the other side. as much as i try to be positive, i’ve realized that many things come from the negativity around me. i am someone who cares fully in everything i do, my heart is big and i give even when it’s not wanted. but trying to force friendships, relationships, or anything else in life that isn’t good for either party involved will only end badly until you’re able to see what you were supposed to learn. when you’re told you’re too emotional, too sensitive, too this or too that, you begin to dim your light and the insecurities overcome you. you start thinking anything you do isn’t good enough. trying to fit into someone else’s mold will never allow you to reach your full potential.

and what are we doing if not trying to reach our full potential?

everything in life is meant to push you in some direction, but it’s up to you if you’re going to allow yourself to be pushed forward or backward.

take time to accept things as they are, to just let it be, and see the best in every situation. i promise you’ll be able to find something positive, even in the worst moments. once you do this, make a plan and be proactive in living your best life. everything else will fall into place.