everything happens for a reason...

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there... to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become... you never know who these people may be... a friend, a neighbor, a roommate or even a stranger... but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.  Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first... but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles... you would have realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.  Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occurs to test the limits of your soul.  Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere.  It would be safe & comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.  The people you meet who affect your life...and the success & downfalls you experience, help to create who you are & who you become.  Even the bad experiences can be learned from.  In fact, they are sometimes the most important ones... If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them... for they helped you learn about trust... If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally... not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love... Make everyday count.  Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.  Tell yourself you are a great individual & believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.  You can make of your life anything you wish.  Create your own life & then go out & live it with absolutely no regrets...have a fighting spirit & never hesitate to get back in a struggle.  Most importantly, if you love someone, tell them...for you never know tomorrow may have in store, & learn a lesson in life each day you live.  So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that... EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!