Don’t mind me I’m just over here crying. I feel like everyone I talk to and everyone I care about are just going through really really really hard times right now, and it’s ripping up my heart! It’s so hard when someone you love is hurting and you just feel at a loss for how to help.

The only thing that’s coming to me is a journal entry I wrote a few days ago. One very important thing that life’s hardships have taught me is to be KIND. We can’t always take away someone’s pain, but if we at least remember that everyone has pain, maybe we’ll be more motivated to act with kindness in all we do. You don’t always know the hard battle someone is fighting; but you can bet they’re fighting one. So, dear everyone: you’re a freaking WARRIOR! And I’m cheering you on, wherever you’re at in your own battles you’re facing.

I keep playing Amy Grant’s “Grown Up Christmas List” and crying about the impossibility of her simple wish for peace, love, and no more pain in the world…

But you know what? I’ve also learned that it is not fair to hold expectations. There are no guarantees in life. Life is a miracle in and of itself and each moment a precious gift. So really, what right have I to get angry when “bad” things happen? Nothing is permanent; the circle of life is named because of every thing’s constant state of evolving. There is beauty and pain in every season. All we can do is fully engage in each moment we’re blessed to live, be brave, be kind, love with our whole hearts, and say thank you always.

Let’s be each other’s cheerleaders along the journey, okay? And to my beloved ones in pain right now, oh you are many (and I know there are many many more I don’t even know about); please know I’m thinking of you and I love you and I’m hurting with you and I’m gonna devote my life to trying to ease the suffering of others by being kind and leading with love.

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