Alright... I haven't blogged in a while. Sometimes I just don't care to share. But TODAY is the day. I've had a transformation in the past year. The short story is, I quit my entry level corporate salary as a way to prevent depression, but became depressed anyway. I lied to everyone about how I was feeling and stayed in bed for a good 3 months. After being discovered, I encountered a whirlwind of individuals more interested in hating on me rather than helping me help myself. Always stubborn, I simply dropped these supposed friends and went about my denial.
I don't recall at what point I realized who my real friends were, but somewhere amidst the chaos, I was given immense amounts of love from different directions and from people whom I wouldn't have guessed were capable.
I do, however, recall the moment of breakthrough. I was sitting in my car, at the beach... smoking, planning to play my guitar in the backseat when the phone rang. I won't mention any names to protect the innocent, but lets just identify the caller as M&M. M&M,a long time friend, who I understood was living a dream life, called to check in on me and chat. I went on and on about how things were going well with the job search I wasn't actually doing, and how things were great and looking my way.
There was a long pause...
M&M wasn't buying it. I started to speak again and was interrupted. "I listen to you talk all the time about how things are getting better, but what have you actually done to improve your situation?"
Caught! Time to face the truth. Rather than explain myself, I just broke down. I knew anything I said wouldn't get me out of this overdue and immensely vulnerable situation.
(Oh yeah, this is supposed to be the short story)
M&M told me that he/she not too long ago had been in the same predicament. M&M went on to state every good quality I possessed and encouraged me to do everything I'd ever wanted to do in life, NOW! Further explaining that shit is going to happen along the way to knock you off kilter, but everyday you must wake up and try again. If you fail, you've at least made an effort and perhaps made it half way to your goal. Halfway is better than where you started.
Its such a simple concept. The best advice usually IS simple.
It didn't happen immediately, but I began to put a plan of action together. It involved everything from securing enough income to pursue my dream to changing my appearance and feeling better about myself.
I'm happy to report that its working. I am proud to sit here and type this story because its true and it might inspire someone else to do something with their lives. It might be corny as hell, but it isn't about impressing anyone with a story. I have a responsibility to myself and the universe to live out my life in the healthiest manner, and contribute what I can to help others.
A powerful thing happens when you give without expecting in return. I was able to return the favor when M&M had a particularly rough week. In essence, M&M invested positive energy into me for later use. Process that for a moment....
Now imagine how many people you encounter daily. What would happen if you just smiled at someone in passing? I tried this. The answer is, they smile back! It feels so good to be in control of my attitude and it feels even better when I can help others adjust theirs in a positive light.
Invest in yourself by investing in others.
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