warning: cliche post ahead.
i'm sitting at my desk writing this post after coming home from my best friends dad's funeral. my. heart. is. HEAVY. i can't put into words or begin to try and feel the magnitude of such loss. my dad is my hero. this goes to say that life is short and we should always find time for the things and people that make us feel happy to be alive. aside that, everything else is just noise.
so today i'm switching it up with a (timely) post talking about the four things i'm thankful for to further enforce all the positivity in my life. #positivevibesonly
1. family & friends.
there is no greater support system. i am very family-oriented and live for the family dinners, movie/game nights, and gatherings. my parents are my heart and soul. my friends are very small and few in number but they are the cream of the crop. it's not about how many friends i have, it's about the friends who know what is going on in the inter-workings of my life outside of this blog.
2. the blogging community.
my readers, my blogging gals. thank you, for always taking the time to comment, to drop by the site, inviting me to join events/groups, etc.. the love and kindness is way more than i can ask for and i'm so thankful to have met all of you. the support and encouragement puts a smile on my face and keeps me going.
3. the simple things in life.
one of my favorite quotes is from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, "it's the simple things in life that are most extraordinary." it's a great short read if you ever have time for it. this quote embodies exactly what happiness means to me. it's not about the clothes i'm wearing or the things i own, because they are just things and can never define me. ironically, they have price tags, but have no real value in my life. a hug, a smile, laughter, health, meaningful conversations, sunrises and sunsets, a listening ear, a thoughtful gesture, making someone else smile, fresh flowers, a cup of coffee, are all things that bring so much joy and instant happiness to my life. these are the things i live for.
4. the past.
this might be a weird one to some. but when i look back at my past, everything that didn't work out for me, or hurt me was an experience. each experience has molded me into who i am today; which is nothing short of amazing. never dwell or live in the past but instead, learn to love it. everything happens for a reason and sometimes it won't be easy or obvious at first, but in the end it will be worth it. there is a strong voice inside of me that always says, "good things fall apart so better things can fall into place." this is the truth, because i guarantee that you will never miss out on something that is meant for you.
live consciously in the moment and enjoy your life as it unfolds. xoxo,
JD