Closing out 2008...

Well, as 2008 comes to end, its that time again to think back, rearrange, rethink, and reorganize everything. Unfortunately, since my blog was entirely deleted not too long ago, I don't have my old entries from the whole year to use as a guide and reference for next year. So, with three measly entries in 2008, 2009 is my chance to start all over.

2008 has been a CRAZY year, but by far the most interesting, intense, absurd, and wonderful year ever. I was thinking about this past year today and came up with a list of things I learned throughout the year: 

1. No matter how hard you try, you can't make someone love you. 

2. Put yourself and your feelings first; at the end of the day you're still the only one completely there for yourself.

3. Be sure of what you want. If you're not sure, you leave room for doubt, and one small doubt is what can make you or break you.

4. Everyone you come across in your life serves a purpose. Each and every person has something to offer, so be sure to keep your eyes and your ears open.

5. Your personality really is bigger than your physical. 

6. Life is simple. Keep it that way (FARZAD!!!)

7. If you're going to do something, do it with style (no matter what style you choose)

8. Prepare yourself for the obvious

9. If you're unsatisfied with something in your life, be ready to do something about it.

10. Don't fight who you are

11. Its okay to laugh and cry. Its what makes us human. Never apologize for showing your feelings.

12. Time DOES heal all wounds. Just be patient enough to wait for it.

13. Take LOTS AND LOTS of pictures. Each one has the capacity to make you smile.

14. You'll never know unless you try.

15. It takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.

16. Your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people you don't even know.

17. Never pass up the opportunity to go on an adventure (big or small)

18. A sense of humor makes life better.

And finally:.....

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a friendship... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.

On April 5 of last year, I experienced one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. My close friend, my sister, and my partner in crime Yahel Silva passed away in a car accident. She would have been 23 just a month ago today. While its been over a year, she is constantly present. Being the amazing individual that she was, it was through her that I have learned my lessons, and I choose to strive to be half the person that she was. She lived her life to the fullest. As cliche as it sounds, for Yahel, it defines every bit of who she was. At just 22 years of age, she left us having done everything she ever planned or wanted to do. She has become my inspiration for who I would like to be. On November 29, I sat at her uncles' bday party, which was on what would have been her 23 birthday, and as we made a toast to her, I sat beside her parents and listened to something that was being read. This has to be hands down the most valuable and most important information that has ever been given to me, and as we gear up for another year, I share this with all of you, so as to hopefully touch you and give us all some hope in each other and ourselves. 

Happy New Year to everyone and may the coming year be filled with peace, love, health, and never ending happiness!

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  They may seem like a godsend, and they are.  They are there for the reason you need them to be.  Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.  Sometimes they die.  Sometimes they walk away.  Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.  What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled;  their work is done.  The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on. When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.  They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.  They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.  Believe it!  It is real!  But, only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.  Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);  and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.  It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.