Recently "Life" presented a gift to me. A lesson to teach me about my arrogance.

I failed to see the beauty in each day, the value of a friend, the ever so valuable time that we spend here on this sojourn. I have neglected Life until it spoke to me one day.

The people who are so dear to you can be taken in a moment's notice or handed a disease that takes them painfully one life cell at a time. Now more than ever before I am seeing life in a different light.

I care not about the tedious disagreements, or the past injustices served upon me. The energy spend in revenge is no longer the prize I seek to claim. I am learning more as each moment , hour and day ticks by that there is a bigger picture, larger purpose for my role here.

Sometimes when you least expect it-- Life will speak to you. Don't wait for it -- carpe diem. Love those near you and those who are afar.

Does it make any difference how long a room has been dark when you introduce a light? Reach out, dare yourself to love. Hold yourself at night and thank life for every breathe you had today. Look for the adventure in each day. Expect miracles on a moments request. Tell the miserable bastard in the office that is he is a great person. Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

THE STORY OF LIFE

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, worker, long-lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger), but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you. You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

*Most importantly!!!, if you LOVE someone tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. And learn a lesson in life each day that you live.

That's the story of life...

Thank you all for touching my life and making if fuller.