Floating

Ever feel like you are floating in a void while the world swirls around you?

Having a strange feeling today like I'm stuck in an awkward dream that I can't quite control. 

Too many important things need to be done, and my individual existence is just not keeping up at the moment. 

Wanting to do so many good things... hoping... trusting that everything will work out the way it is supposed to, but knowing I can't leave it all up to fate. 

There are many good people around me, they help me every day and I am very grateful. I make a conscious choice that I want to learn everything I can from the life I am experiencing. I want to be a good person. I need to be a better husband. I desire to be a fantastic father.

I want to reach out, to help, and encourage. I want to live with no regrets, to share the truly important parts of the journey with loved ones and friends. I think about the world, and I worry for the stranger who is cast aside, under appreciated, and misunderstood. 

I see the world trying, the human race stumbling over itself. All the arguing over solutions to problems, when animosity IS the problem. 

I struggle, but I accept that it is MY struggle. I know the path that I walk- it is familiar and fascinating. Patience is a vision of what is really valuable. 

Progress has been made, it is priceless and fragile. 

I feel. 

I think. 

I hope. 

I dream. 

I want to wake up...

...and stop floating.

It's Complicated

Life is an unrelenting adventure.

  While navigating this mortal journey, I have gained a healthy respect for the task of simultaneously dealing with everything life is capable of throwing at a person. Along the way, my own experiences have taught me that it's important to...

Physically:

Learn to live with overwhelming pain that wont go away no matter what you do.
and
Be strong. Be brave. Commit yourself to patiently enduring the hand you are dealt.
and
Stay focused. Try not to let the fear of pain dominate you.
and
Be responsible, don't make things worse than they have to be.

Emotionally:

Handle being more exhausted than you previously thought possible, without being grumpy.
and
Continuously attacked by an invisible enemy, try not to focus on feeling beat up and broken.
and
Remain resilient. Try not to curl up in fetal position and cry when it hurts just being alive.
and
Resist becoming jaded and bitter because of how hardship has affected your life.
and
Don't let your problems define you. Love yourself and make the most of your situation.
and
Let your trials teach you empathy for the suffering of others. Do your best to be sincerely compassionate and kind, despite your pain.

Mentally:

Don't let the constant irritation from your physical and emotional trials affect your attitude.
and
Be able to focus on what is in front of you. Don't shut down or get lost in your struggles.
and
Don't indulge thoughts centered in self pity or bitterness.
and
Make a conscious choice to learn from your journey each day.
and
Take one day at a time, and stay positive. Remember there is always something to be grateful for.
and
Don't beat your head against a wall, be willing to redefine your concept of success!
and
Let go of your pride. Humble yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
and
Be considerate of those around you, remember they get tired too.
and
Be patient, everyone has their own battles they are fighting.

Life is a journey of joy, pain, and most importantly: growth.

  So anyway- if you identify with any of the above, I humbly offer you my sympathy and encouragement. In addition to being kind to others, don't forget to be kind to yourself!

  As for me, this list is very much a work in progress. I look forward to learning anything I can each day, because let's face it: life can be really complicated sometimes.

Dance in the Rain