Dealing With Difficult Situations.

     December was not the best month for me. I went through an extreme low in my life, unable to explain what was happening. This month starting out hasn't been near as bad, but it hasn't exactly been amazing either. Emotionally, things have been difficult for me. However, in this time I've come to realize what it's like to be lonely, even when you are around people. This feeling has happened to me before. Thinking no one really gave much of a care about me when in reality people really did care. Although, what many people don't realize; when you are in a state of extreme lows, you don't see people the same. Your feelings are different, your thoughts are different, you are different. No matter who around you tries to help, it's you who has to step up and fight back. Fighting against something that's not physically there is not easy, it's not something you can control in one night. Dealing with this type of stuff takes small steps until you reach your ideal goal. Starting small doesn't mean you are weak, it means you're trying. Trying is better than sitting back and accepting it.
     Now that I am attempting to get better, things around me seem to be more triggering. Unfortunately, that's what happens sometimes in order to improve ourselves and strengthen ourselves. Going through something so difficult, it's okay to have a breakdown. Just remember to keep moving forward and learn from the past. 
     In the end, you're not alone. No matter how bad you feel you are, there are so many people out there who care. Those people may not show it, they may not say it every day. But they care. I thought I was alone, I couldn't have been more wrong. People I thought hated me, turned out to be the ones who cared the most. I'm thankful for these people and those around me who were patient and helpful through my worst times. 
     To anyone who reads this and feels lonely/depressed, please don't give up. There are people around you, it takes some time to find them, but there are people who care. To anyone reading this who knows or think they know someone dealing with depression right now, take the time to message them. Just talking can really change someone's day.

Holiday Challenge 2015

      Before I begin, I thought I would start with explaining my vision of Christmas. While much of this world likes to embrace the idea that Christmas (the holidays) are a time solely for receiving presents, spending boat loads of money, and nothing else. I like to take a more different approach to the holiday seasons. Personally, I like to look at the holiday’s as a time for me to enjoy my family, while many are very unfortunate to be missing a loved one or more than one. In addition, I love to believe that this time of the year should be celebrated with random acts of kindness, friendly gestures, and volunteering. Many of my post have been about volunteering, I’m aware. However, this time of the year I believe it’s more meaningful.

With the definition of this, I bring to you a bit of a challenge. Anyone who reads this, I don’t care who you are! I challenge you to do something this season. This thing can be anything. Something as small as hold a door for the person behind you, offering to help carrying someone’s goods, buy a snack for someone who’s down on their luck right now, maybe volunteer your time at a local organization. Anything you do, whether it’s big or small, it can make an impact. Take time to buy a toy for ‘Toys For Tots’, drop some loose change in those famous red kettles, maybe grab a warm drink for someone who is ringing the bell. There is no limitation on the amount of things we can do. Just a simple card, a simple message, a simple smile. Anything!

With all this negative stuff going on in the world right now, I feel like we could use some more positive uplifting stories. If each of us took a few minutes to spread some sort of kindness we might be able to put more smiles in the world.

If you have a chance while doing your random thing of kindness. Maybe snap a picture, take a video, then post it on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook. Post it with #2015HolidayChallenge and let’s make this positive thing a trend. The more people we get on board, the more good we can spread.

Don’t read this then just carrying on. Anyone around you could be suffering; your neighbor, your friend, your coworker. People have a good way of hiding what’s going on. Something so simple could change a bad mood. Something so little can start something so big. So join me and let’s finish off this year with something more positive!

As Thanksgiving rounds the corner, I would like to send a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope it's filled with many thanks, lots of food, and great memories. Take some time to be thankful for those around you. One day they won't be there. Stay positive and have a blessed Thanksgiving!