I spent a bunch of time trying to be witty, insightful and entertaining in my writing today. Draft after draft I’ve written, and the more I try to weave my thoughts into the words of today’s friend, Michelle, the more I even bore myself.

Draft four has just hit the circular file, and in tossing it, I realize the Michelle has hit the ball out of the park with her comments. So in respect for you and to fully give credit to whom the applause is due, I present you the direct words of Michelle.

“Live life intelligently, and acknowledge that mistakes are bound to happen. Take them as lessons and learn from them. Don’t beat yourself up in accepting that nothing and no one is perfect… even yourself.

And, the more we forgive ourselves as well as others, the more emotionally aware we are as a person. The goal being internal peace… I know it’s hard to reach, but I believe it is attainable.

It’s all about how we live our lives and the way we treat others. There are so many levels of understanding towards people, and if we live life with an active awareness, living it and being aware, we will have more personal satisfaction while inspiring the people around us.

We can choose to bring peace to any situation or place. And if we do, we are stronger for other people. And that will also make us better people.”

Society in general is on a downward spiral. Sadly, I have to say that it is becoming too self-absorbed. I understand that we need to take care of ourselves. And I realize that in being responsible, some of life has to be that way.

It’s OK that everyone is an individual; it is supposed to be like that. But too many are becoming selfish and narcissistic; not paying attention to the bigger issues that are greater than themselves.

Everything happens for a reason, even the bad. You have to grow from it… learn from it… It’s all part of a bigger picture in your journey through life, and it is part of your personal experience… Embrace it… Accept it… It will make you a stronger person.”

Michelle… home run kiddo!