Life lately has been filled with “at leasts.”

They may be slacking;

At least they're not doing drugs.

They may be hurting everyone around them;

At least they're not hurting themselves.

They may not care about or respect anyone who cares for them;

At least they're happy.

They may have caused more mayhem than anyone else;

At least it's not on their permanent record.

But now I have a list of my own “at leasts.”

They may have hit me;

At least I got back up.

They may have told me the world would be better off without me;

At least I'm still here.

They might have damaged everyone I love;

At least we have each other.

And finally,

It may hurt now;

At least I know it will get better.

Life is full of “at leasts,” most often as excuses for inexcusable behavior when someone is trying to hold on to the last ray of Hope and last bit of structure in a situation. Sometimes, it's hard to listen to all of the excuses made for those who don't deserve to be forgiven, or even given the time of day. As hard as it may be to hear those, sometimes it's harder to hear the “at leasts” that are positive. After so much stress and pain it can be difficult to look toward something better. So use the “at leasts.” Use the excuses they use and turn them into your motivation, your goals. Don't give up your chance at happiness and hope because of their “at leasts.”

Because after all you've been through,

At least you kept fighting.