Glass half full - Glass half empty

Life is full of obstacles and challenges; Some are brought on by our own decisions and some seem to come out of nowhere. One thing that can only help is positivity. Having a life that is filled with hope rather than constant thoughts of pessimism can only fuel perseverance and growth. It is important to look at life as "glass half full" instead of "glass half empty." These figures of speech, sayings, cliches, metaphors, whatever you want to call them are used often because of the truth behind their essence. They might seem melodramatic but the simplicity behind the message is compelling, as well as influential. With that being said, I hate using these phrases. However, that doesn't mean that I don't realize the wisdom behind the messages that they convey. "Glass half full/glass half empty" is one of the most commonly used metaphors and all that it focuses on is positivity or pessimism. Life is full of so many stories about heartache, suffering, pain, and despair. Unfortunately, the stories filled with joy, triumphs, and overcoming adversity are few and far between. The relative disproportion of bad versus good stories is deplorable. It's creating a generation full of pessimists, who only look at life as "glass half empty." Personally, I prefer to look at life as an optimist, despite all the negativity that surrounds me in this world. I'm not naive to think that positive thinking can help me avoid troubles that we all deal with, but it will help me live a life that is filled with hope. I have hope through my faith. If a person doesn't have hope, that person doesn't have God in their life. You know how I look at life.
How do YOU view life?

The end.....brings new beginnings.

This is the last post that will be directly related to my class. It's been a great experience. I had a wonderful professor, as well as great classmates. It was a true pleasure to have been a part of a class that offered nothing but unconditional support. Unfortunately, all things must come to an end. This is a cessation of a specific part of each and every one of our academic lives. However, life will still go on. Once something comes to an end it is up to us as individuals to embark on a new endeavor. Avoid stagnation, it is a self-destructive state of mind that we must fight at all costs. It is important to continue moving forward. A door closes behind us, leading to a pathway with an abundance of options in front of us. Examine all the possibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to take on new challenges. Do not become overwhelmed by the multitude of hurdles or options. Keep moving forward and kick down the obstacles that lead to your goals. Move forward with a clear purpose and your goals will be realized. We all enter unaware of our place within a specific environment, but preparation, focus, and perseverance will allow us to exit with a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Change is a part of life and we must embrace the challenges that come along with endings that bring forth new beginnings.

True Strength

Whenever the word strength is mentioned, most people instantly think of physical power. However, true strength is not measured by the amount of weight that we can lift. We present strength with our actions. Strength is revealed through our determination. We exhibit strength through our persistence. Strength is demonstrated by our faith. True strength is displayed during times of difficulty. We all go through trials and tribulations and that is when true strength is measured. It is measured in the manner in which we carry ourselves during times of hardship.
We are not as strong as we would like to think. I know that I am not. I can not handle everything on my own. God knows I've tried. There are certain situations that call for the help of others. Honestly, asking for help is a true sign of strength. Some might say that asking for help is displaying anything but strength. On the contrary, strength is measured by our willingness to admit our weaknesses. By the strength that we gain because of our weaknesses.
Strength is measured during those moments filled with pain, tears, and doubt. The moments when you are vulnerable and alone. The moments when everything seems to go wrong.

I must rely on God. He does not put me in situations that I can not bear. He gives me hope when life seems bleak. He gives me strength when I am weak.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Philippians 4:13 - For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

From the depths of the blog lagoon

My blog originated in the primordial ooze that is the internet. It was conceived as a mandatory obligation that had to be met, but soon became my guide through the depths of the unknown.
I hesitantly approached the darkness with caution. The fear of the unknown was like walking into a swamp filled with unnerving sounds. I was consumed with the sense that someone or something was watching my every move. Each step that I took was filled with apprehension. As I stopped the sounds stopped. The steps I took were accompanied by a renewed sense of tension and a cacophony of dreadful wails. I looked around as I stepped closer and closer to that sense of dread that was filling me. Enveloped by the dark unknown, I walked with my arms in front of me and my feet exploring every step ahead. I shuffled along with caution and trepidation. Hoping to avoid everything that I ever feared, my hands became my sense of vision. I used my fingertips to navigate through all of the obstacles that I was facing, as well as the unforeseen hurdles that I was sure to encounter. The environment seemed to awaken as I walked further into the gloomy haze. I walked slowly but surely, thinking that I would find a way out of this madness. I told myself that persistence would pay off, but all I did was walk further into the unknown. I have been walking for two months now, and I don't see myself getting out. I have finally accepted the fact that I am one of them. I am a being that has been symbiotically absorbed into the environment. I realize that I am no longer a visitor walking in the dark. I am no longer lost.

I am home.