We have hardships in our lives.

Even the happiest people on the planet have gone through some kind of difficult time.

There are moments in life we would really prefer not to replay...

Or would we? I say this because, everything single event that has taken place in our lives has contributed to who we are. There are usually a few main influences that shape our being, but the person we are is a product of the different events we have experienced in life.

Which means...

Even the bad times. I personally think, ESPECIALLY the bad times effect who we are. The reason being, we learn a lot more from our negative experiences. We learn from our mistakes.

We grow.

I personally believe that I have learned a lot from my previous relationship with a girl. But the learning only came AFTER the realtionship was over. The break up was a difficult time to say the least, but from that negative experience, I learned a lot about myself. The relationship not only shaped my character even more, but it also brought to light things I did not know about myself.

So, if I had a magic wand that could take away all the bad times I had with that relationship, would I do it? No way. Not a chance.

I grew.

I had come to this conclusion quite recently and to look at everything that happens in my life through this perspective has become a part of my creed.

So the next time someone says, "Oh man, I wish that wouldn't have happened...", just say

A. "Don't worry man, it makes you who you are!"
B. "Don't worry, it makes for a funny story!"
C. "Stop whining you loser"
D. "Do you think this dress makes me look fat?"

I personally would go for "B" (I am concerned about "D" though, esp. when I wear my neon pink dress)

I feel like my last entry was a bit of a cheat. I didn't want to resort to just posting pictures and commenting on them. Oh well, I guess I have to do that once in awhile.

Anyway.

Lately people around me have been stressed. Maybe stressed is not a powerful enough word. In any case, seniors are freaking out over colleges in general and juniors are freaking out over the IB. AND since the Semester is coming to an end, everyone is scrambling to get things finished before the much deserved winter break.

Xanga's, blogs, and other forms of personal journals have become a billboard of negative thoughts and subjects almost always involve how tough it is to be in school.

I think it is really important for people to be able to relieve their stress and post entries about their concerns. But personally, I think it is getting old. Am I alone?

The only thing those entries do to readers is fill them with negative energy. Why not talk about something positive? Why reflect on all the negative things in life? There is no way that we have such miserable lives.

To be able to read this entry. To have an internet connection. To have a roof over your head. To be able to eat three meals a day. We are privileged.

I certainly understand why everyone is stressed. But you know what? Enjoy it. You only live once.

Im sorry if I've offended anyone, and sorry if I've come off a little preachy. But seriously, as Bobby Mcfarin said,

"Don't worry. Be happy." Minna ganbare.