O = OBSTACLES

We all have had and will always have obstacles in or lives. I wish that at some point they all just go away, but no, they are there and very real. Though, we can choose how we overcome them. There have been times when I just gave up and let life take its course and then there were other times where I had to fight really hard for what I wanted. None of us can avoid it, but obstacles will always be there, waiting to be overcome. We cannot let it get us down, we have to keep moving and just doing the best that we can do. 

N = NOW

How many times have we allowed one bad experience to influence how we live our lives from that point forward? I know I do it all the time. Many times we use our past as a way for us to not live in the future and I am guilty of that as well. But what I have found to work best for me, is to live in the now. Take it one day at a time, meaning not to worry about a deadline for tomorrow at the present moment, when there is nothing more you can do about it than you have already done. Leave yesterday where it is and forget about what you need to do tomorrow. Rather focus on the now and the few things you can do and change at the present. 

M = MUSIC

I have always loved music and I have always been singing along to my favourite songs, even before I could even speak. But what I love most about music is how it can influence how you feel. It can make you feel a vast array of emotions and has the ability to lift your mood when you are feeling low. Music has been an inspiration to me and has always and still plays a very important role in my life. I would not be able to exist without it. 

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.