how to be better or something like it

      Today, I felt kind of down okay, really down. Despite the beauty this time of year brings, I have lots of sadness, fear, and hate associated with the time between late July and early August.  I could make you tragic list of incidents including death, mental illness, heartache, and my personal favorite, the fallout of close friends but I'm not going to inflict that upon you this night. Instead I'm going to tell what you do when reach that time in life that's your low point.
      First, you accept that life sucks and you die. My dad has said anytime I complain about something menial and hard I have to do. The truth life is hard and some days we all just want to give up and watch 8 episodes of Grey's Anatomy on Netflix( or your modern hospital drama of choice). Yes life sucks but life is also wonderful. Once you see how bad your life sucks, you see someone else's life and see how bad they have and suddenly, your life is wonderful. You will die so either your life can be wonderful or not.
      Once you see that your life is what it is, you can move on to music to deal  whatever it is you're dealing with. I found this little band called Dashboard Confessional via Brian Wilson a few years ago and they make feeling bad beautiful. Chris Carrabba isn't soothing to everyone obviously, but find that song or band that makes being sad easier.
       This next step is the best I think. Go outside. Breathe fresh air. Go for a hike or just sit in on your porch. One day I sat outside in a summer downpour. Be out of your element. Get off your computer, leave the addicting smart phone (guilty) on the kitchen counter. Just go.
        If you still have the blues and can't cope with your life, express it. I think running is a torture device used by Jr. High gym teachers, but I have a friend who runs to relieve stress. To me, writing about something is like running. Expression requires thinking and not thinking at the same time.
        The final step is to just move forward always. Personally, it involves prayer, perspective and time. Love no matter how bad it seems. I believe that all our bad times lead to the best of times. They make us strong, realize what we have, and bring self-discovery. Today I may have felt sad but I know that my family is incredible. My niece is the most beautiful child on this Earth. I know I'm that annoying person whose like my family is so great blah blah blah but I really don't care. They care about me and  them. Thanks for reading this. I needed to say all this ramble today so there you go.
the better things:

The Young, The Old, and The Beautiful

This summer I have spent my time working at a care center. Basically, I am paid to hang out with the coolest folks I have ever met in my life fifteen hours a week. They have taught me the following things:

• Always expect more from people than they expect from themselves. People need to know they are greater than who they are right now.
• Wake up early on Saturdays. Have a good breakfast, play games with your friends and eat popcorn.
• Sometimes you have be on your own and the ones you love may not always love you enough to make time for you. It hurts a lot and you will never do it to someone else.
• Never, ever take up smoking. 
• Be kind even if someone is mad at you. The lion with the thorn in its paw is hurting more than you know.
• Knock before you open a door or walk into a room.
• "I Love Lucy" is a great television program.
• Ask lots of questions all the time
• Be honest with your feelings. If you're sad, be sad. 
• The past will either trap or free you. 
• Love unconditionally

That's really all I have to say today.