Life is funny.

Life sure is a funny thing. Seems like whenever we think we've got it all figured out, another curve ball comes right at us. I used to view the world much differently than I do now. Sometimes it really amazes me how our experiences can shape who we become. I hate to play the "what if" game because I truly am thankful for everything that has happened in my life, especially the bad. That may sound crazy to some people, but it's the truth. Now if you had told me a few years ago that I would be saying these things I may not have believed it myself. Yes, sometimes it is fun to think "what if" and imagine the type of life we may lead had some things gone differently in the past, but that's where it should stay: in the past. I don't mind the occasional flashback in conversation to a time when life was simpler, but truth be told I love the way things have turned out. Even if others do not agree. I fully believe that everything happens for a reason and that God has my back no matter what. The choices we make dictate the path we follow. It took me a long time to realize and accept that bad things do happen for a reason and once we choose to accept them and learn from it we can start to move on and lead a more educated life. Forgive me if I am rambling but my fingers seem to be flying over the keys tonight. Sometimes there are a few key events that feel like they either make or break us, but in reality this is not the case. It is how we choose to deal with these situations that effect the outcome, in the grand scheme of things.

Sometimes we need to set aside some time to really sit down and think about all the things we have to be thankful for. I know it can be hard at times, but let's face it - there are so many others out there in much worse situations. People lose sight of what is really important in life and forget to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. That's not going to be me anymore. I will smell every rose if I have to! Even when you stop to smell the roses, sometimes you get a little prick... but eventually the wounds will heal and the roses will smell sweet again.