As we age, life starts to become more complicated, and we find ourselves surrounded by people who have wrapped themselves in layers upon layers of protection against the world and the inevitable nasty things that will soon plague their life.
Yet, among those individuals lie others that seemingly act as if the hardships of life have done nothing but avoid them at all costs. This, however, is simply not true. No one can avoid the rough patches of life.
If you are one of the few who has experience in the world belittling; destroying; and picking you apart piece by piece, but still looks at the world with the positive and beautiful outlook that your mother showed you, then I have news for you:
My dear, you are nothing short of incredible.
Finding the ability to have copious amounts of faith in humanity, despite what kind of pain it has shown you, is an open invitation to a life full of beauty, laughter, and life changing experiences. I don't know what brought you to this scary yet rewarding lifestyle, but I can almost guarantee that I know how completely and utterly free you feel now that you're walking through life with an open mind and a smile that reaches your eyes.
I'm proud of you for loving, and loving so intensely, no matter the pain your heart has felt in the past. I'm proud of you for trusting friends and family despite those who have not been so gracious with that honor in situations prior. Lastly, I'm proud of you for waking up each day with a heart so full that you simply cannot contain your desire to share with the world the good that you know is all around us.
It is much easier to allow hatred and anger to consume us, but it is not better. In no way is it better to view the world against you rather than with you. You have to let the tears turn your eyes red and puffy and let the anger course through your veins, but at some point, you'll come back from it. You have too, and when you do, it is your job to decide if it's going to change you for the worse, or for the better.
There is a difference between being naive and clueless and being a genuine soul. You're allowed to love, trust, and speak wholeheartedly after your pain, too. It does not make you weak, it makes you a warrior.
And for those of you who have not found yourselves with this ability, that's okay. The world is not always kind to the people who need it the most, but we were all filled with the idea of forgiveness, even if it is just a tiny bit. It is never too late to start leading a life full of positivity with an open heart.
To those of you who refuse to stop loving the world despite what you've been through, please do not let the world change you. Let other people or situations do their worst and shake you to your core, but do not ever give them the power to take away the fire inside of you. Do not find yourself scared to feel and instill hope in those that need it the most.
