Sometimes

 Sometimes life is just rough. Sometimes everything that could be wrong is. Sometimes life, and the people you hold dear to your heart, make you physically ache. Sometimes finding the strength to keep going seems all but impossible. The darkness and hopelessness that accompany these "sometimes" can be immobilizing...but only if you let them.

When I'm in these "sometimes" of life, I try to remember that they really are only some-of-the-time. I try to remember that despite all the pain and heartache, life is still beautiful. Part of that beauty is a derivative of those dark moments. Those painfully dark moments make the light ones seem even brighter. They give more meaning and joy to the good times. They give rise for gratitude being found in the smallest, yet most important things--and there are new things to be grateful for everyday.

I know that no matter how dark the days or the experience may be, there is a silver lining to be found in every situation. Search for that lining until you are able to see the light that is all around you. It'll show up before you know it. And most of the time, when you find that light, you realize it has really been there all along... just waiting for you to take notice. 

Once you find that light, cling to it. And be persistent in that clinging.

 I feel like learning to persistently cling to light when it is easier to succumb to the impeding darkness is one of the most important lessons to learn in life. Why? Because life is what you choose to make it. You can make it doom and gloom all the time by choosing to attend to the negative. Or, you can choose to direct your focus on the goodness that brings light and joy into life. Either way, it's your choice.