L = LIFE

We all have a different way of how we approach life and how we enjoy it, but I think many of us forget to be thankful for it. I know for a while I used to feel like I was here and that it was no great feat or blessing to be here, but having lived a while now and putting my teenage years behind me, I have found an appreciation for it. I am thankful to be part of this life now, because things could have been so much worse for me, especially knowing that there are so many who are sick and dying who wish that they can have just a day or even a few hours more to live.

Sometimes I feel like I could give them a few hours, days, weeks and even years of my life and health, just so that they can live a little longer, do the things they still wanted to do or achieve, or spend it with their loved ones. I always end up feeling guilty because I do not always embrace life to the fullest and thus do not experience all the wonders that it has to give.

Even though it does not always seem like it, life is a gift, no matter how brief or lonely it can be. 

K = KARMA

I am a firm believer in Karma, which is why I will never do something to someone that I do not want done to me. Though, I do try to live a positive life and get along with all my fellow humans, the end result is not always that pretty. Having said that, I think it is important for us to at least make an attempt to live our life in the best way possible. Meaning, if you went to bed tonight and you can lay your head down knowing that you didn't hurt anyone or tried to cause a disturbance in their life, you did good.

Karma doesn't seem to like me very much in general, but it doesn't mean that it cannot work wonders for you. Just remember the idea of cause and effect. Other than that, best of luck to you. 

J = JOY

Joy is such a hard thing to come by and when I say that, I don’t mean using any kind of chemical to obtain it. I am talking about pure and genuine joy. Whether it is just a feeling of being truly content with yourself or spending time with someone that makes you laugh or just makes you feel better about yourself or life. Joy is such a rare and precious thing, so when you experience it, savour it and if at all possible, hang onto the person who is sharing it with you with all your might.

I = INDIVIDUAL

Everyone is an individual. What that means is that you are unique. Just because people dress alike or eat at the same place, does not mean that they are all the same. Though I do understand that some people will do anything to try and fit in and be like the norm.

Well, the truth is that there are just some people out there that don’t fit in. They are who they are and they are not ashamed of it. It is okay to be an individual. I know that many people may make you feel like it isn't  but you are allowed to be yourself. It is okay to walk to the beat of your own drum, it is okay to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable, it is okay to listen to the music you want to listen to and it is okay to think the way that you do (as long as you are not hurting anyone or anything, of course).

I have had people try and change me all my life and to be honest, trying to please everyone all the time is not worth it and you waste far too much energy in the process. Just be yourself and those people who are worthy, will give you a chance and will accept you for who you are. Those who don’t, well, don’t worry about them, as their opinion or acceptance is not worth wasting your time on anyway. 

H = HELP

Asking for help may sound like a simple thing to do when you find yourself in a tough situation, but it can also be one of the hardest things to do. I know that I myself am a very proud person. I must probably have failed at the same thing at least ten times before I would ask for help. But that is just because I am a stubborn person who will always try and do something myself first.

There is no shame in asking for help. If a situation becomes too much to handle, it is okay to ask someone for help. It is okay to admit that you need help and it does not mean that you are a failure or that you are not a competent and capable person. Everyone needs help at one point or another. So do not let anyone make you feel bad or unworthy just because you are asking for help.

G = GRATEFUL

To many people who read my blog I may come across as the type of person that likes complaining and that I am never thankful for anything, but there is so much that I am grateful for.

• I am grateful for the higher power that has created me and that helps me get through every day. I am also grateful for the wonderful imagination I was given and for the ability to put into words the many things my mind comes up with. 

• I am grateful for my beautiful family who help me through everything. 

• I am grateful for all the friends I have, whether they are my fellow blogger friends, or the few I have around me. 

• I am grateful for my health. 

• I am grateful for the fact that I have a job and that I am able to work. 

• I am grateful that I am breathing. 

 What are you most grateful for?

F = FAILURE

When it comes to failure I always tend to feel a little self-conscious, because I have failed at many things in my life and it is not a thing that I like to share. But do you know what? I might have made many mistakes and failed horribly at many things, yet I am stronger for it. I can’t say that any of it is a wasted experience. It might not always seem like it, but we need to fail in order for us to get better. Yes that cake recipe didn’t work out and the end result was closer to a brick, but the next time you bake it, you will improve.