“I know how you feel because I’ve been there too. I’ve hated, and I’ve loved. I’ve seen my demons root and crawl and my angels branch and soar. I've died within myself and lived a thousand different lives. I too fight the same war and I too am drowning in the puddles of self-consciousness this world created.” — Robert M. Drake

Tonight I realized something. People are cruel. People are mean. Life is not fair. Things happen we can not explain, and some of it is unnecessary.

I have never understood the concept of how people can bring other people down constantly. I had to watch one of my best friends cry over a Twitter post made and commented on by her ex-boyfriend and his friends, as it dwindled her self-consciousness even more.

People are always going to have something to say about you, someone else, or something. Yes, you can ignore it. Yes, you can be the bigger person, but I challenge you to, "Instead of putting people down all your life, inspire someone, change someone’s life for the better, make someone happy, make someone smile."
— Anonymous

The harmful words said, actions done, and social media posts happen too often. I have always wondered what is it about putting people down that makes someone feel so great. I was never one to truly take it to heart, but I know people who do. Some people care about people’s opinions more than others. Do not blame them for that. They cannot help how they feel, but you can help what you say and do.

“Challenge yourself everyday to do better and be better. Remember, growth starts with a decision to move beyond your present circumstances.” — Robert Tew

You may not like everyone you meet in your life, and that's okay. There may be people who don't like us no matter how nice we are. Challenge yourself to continue to be the bigger person and to be nice. Even on your worst day, see the best in others, and treat others the way you would want them to treat you.

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better! -— Maya Angelou