"The line etched into a headstone between the dates of birth and death represent each step we take on earth and every single breath. To many, it is just a hyphen, marking time between the years, but in that little dash is a lifetime of laughter, love, and tears...Time steals our days and hours before we recognize the theft, and we live each day not knowing how much of our dash is left".
-Linda Ellis

Saturday, December 29, 2012

"Your Love Is a Song"

"Your love is a symphony all around me, running through me. Your love is a melody, underneath me, running to me."

 

I've replayed this song around 100 times on my iPod, and about a thousand times in my head. I guess you could say... I kinda like it... A LOT! Songs have a way of representing moments in our lives. It's amazing how you can replay them and almost relive the memory as if it's happening all over again. Today, these lyrics are so much more than words. They are how I feel. I'm grateful for today, and all the days I have had with you! Thanks for changing my life.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

"Embrace life's Butterflies"

"Happiness is like a butterfly: The more you chase it. The more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things it will come and sit softly on your shoulder..."


 I decided today to actually open up my blog, ironically it was a year ago today that I created it. I've only written on my blog twice, today makes it three. Why? Well... Lets just say, I'm not that great at this blog thing. In fact, I'm not sure why I have a blog in the first place, other than I must have gotten bored.

I have learned recently in my life to embrace life's butterflies. When I was younger, I still recall the first time I ever rode on a roller coaster. I was scared to death, but my mom convinced me that it would be a blast! So I sat in the seat, and the coaster took off. The slow ride to the top felt like a lifetime... I was actually happy though, because the thought of the huge drop gave me all kinds of knots in my stomach. As I reached the top, and went down the mountain at full speed, I wanted to cry. YES! I wanted to cry. I got butterflies from the fall, and for some reason hated the way they caused me to feel. It took me several years before I ever went on another roller coaster. Sometimes, we aren't ready to face the things that we're afraid of. At least we think we aren't ready. The butterflies take over, and your brain tells you to run away from it.

You may think, that the roller coaster story was a poor example, because it was a time I didn't embrace life's butterflies. But, I share of the experience because I wasted years of my life  being afraid. It took me forever to become brave enough to try a second time. But... the second time, I LOVED it! I was perplexed as to why I ever hated it. At first, butterflies may feel uncomfortable, when really it's how you know your alive.

"Life happens at the end of your comfort zone." 
 Butterflies are now my favorite feeling in the world.

This past weekend, I went with one of my best friends in the whole world to the Butterfly Pavilion in Colorado. It was adorable, because I once told him that when I was around him I get butterflies. So he wanted to really give me butterflies. It was one of the most memorable days of my life. And in life...

"Refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies"

Walking in a room full of butterflies reminded me of the unexpected happiness I have felt these last few months. I'm truly blessed to know you. You still give me butterflies! Thanks for loving me.

I now have to mention a very important person. I can't write a blog all about butterflies without mentioning you. I will forever love butterflies thanks to your influence. You are the friend I have searched for my entire life. We have only been friends for a few short months. But in these few short months I feel like I already have a lifetime of memories. From the shopping, to the good laughs, the getting through heartbreaks, and all the Castle awesomeness in between, life has gotten SO good! As I write this, Celine Dion's "It's all coming back to me now" is playing. It's quiet, because my sister is in the same room asleep. But, I can't explain how amazing blasting this song is when I am with you. But it's ok, because you kinda know the incredibleness! Thanks for being there... I freaken love you forever!!!!

In this chaotic world, we may find ourselves wondering if we will ever find happiness. The answer is, You'll probably never find it. Happiness isn't something you find, it's somthing you feel. You may think that it's found in finding that special someone, or regaining your health after years of struggle, or even in finally discovering your passion for life. Happy, as far away as it seems can be felt. In despite of struggle, it's felt through moments that happen along the way. A quote I have learned to love says...

 "Life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent what you do with what happens to you"

 There is always something more we want out of life.  After we graduate high school, we want to love college, then we want to find the right person to marry, we want a family, a beautiful house, a nice car, we want to travel... the list never really ends. So... if we are always wanting things in life, saying to ourselves that when we have them all.. we will be happy. Will we ever feel happiness? Well... will we ever stop wanting or dreaming of things...?

 I find myself wondering... When should I hold on? When do I let go? There really is no answer. At least I haven't figured it out yet. I think, its really being aware of the fact that everything changes. And if it didn't, there wouldn't be butterflies to begin with. A lot of things in this world deceive us, but one thing I'm positive that doesn't is our hearts. That's the only real guide we've got. If your heart feels it more than anything else... embrace it!

That is my message tonight. Embrace life, slow down and allow happiness to sit on our shoulder. Whether in the form of a butterfly, through the sound of laughter, a smile from a child, or a hug from a good friend. Happiness is always present, even on the hardest days if we will only open our eyes to see it. Like a butterfly, it's rare and beautiful.

 As I conclude this blog, I leave you with final words of wisdom...

Embrace life's butterflies!