Positivity.

Sometimes it takes a slap in the face in order for you to realize something. That's what happened to me recently.

I had gotten myself into a dark phase, feeling cynical and bitter about a lot of things. I focused too much on everything that had gone wrong in my life, convincing myself that nothing would ever work out in my favor. I compared my life to others and hoarded bitterness and jealousy. I was miserable.
Then, one of my oldest friends came along. He always listened to me all throughout high school when I needed someone to vent and complain to about the same things over and over. I know it was annoying. But he always answered. And even though we've drifted apart, he still answers. Even when I call him at 3am.
So anyways, I saw him this past weekend. Of course I eventually blurt out complaints about my "sad life", turning things into a pity party. And when my friend responded, it hit me (no, he didn't literally hit me. Metaphorically.) Basically, he told me I was being annoying. That I needed to stop worrying so much, and that my negative perspective was only going to bring me down and hurt me more. He gave me a speech that slapped me in the face. I don't remember everything that he said, but I do remember what I got out of it.
If you have a negative view of life, relationships, or the future in general, then you will never be happy. You have to switch your mindset. If you think positively, you will be happy no matter what bad circumstances come your way. You have to keep your head up and find your own silver lining. It may rain for a week straight, but blue skys are coming. You have to hope. You have to have faith. And you have to trust that there is a greater plan for you in this world.

So I just wanted you to know that I was in an emotionally/spiritually dark place before, and I'm trying to change my mindset about everything. When I told my previously mention friend that I would try to stop complaining, he said "I'm pretty sure you said that the last time I talked to you." Maybe I did, but this time I mean it. I was making myself miserable before, and now I know that I can make myself happy. It's all a choice.
"It's not about the cards you've been dealt, it's how well you play them."

So far, I've had a way better week because of this. I'm going to start going to Brainerd Baptist more on Sundays, because I've fallen out of the habit in college and I realized that I really miss going to church on Sunday mornings. I've also started going to yoga classes. I really enjoy it because it calms me down and makes me feel relaxed in the middle of a busy week.
That's all for now.

Peace.