SeventyEight.

It's only life...

Why bother going the extra mile when mediocracy will suffice?

Why should you try hard when just trying is good enough?

Why reach for gold when settling for bronze still leaves you with a medal?

It's only life right?

But, it's your life.

You can make it really great, or simply average.

You can work for everything you want, or be content with what you're given.

It's your call.

When it's the bottom of the ninth in the final game of the world series with the bases loaded, two strikes and your team is down by two runs... Are you at bat or are you standing in the crowd cheering with everyone else?

Figuratively, of course.

After all, it's only life.

"It's only life. We all get through it. Not all of us complete the journey in the same condition."- Dean Koontz

SeventySeven.

Time...

Time flies when you're having fun, and even when you're not. It just rushes by so quickly sometimes that you have to be careful, or else you'll end up getting whiplash.

Every time I turn around it's Monday again. I hate Mondays. You're never like 'Oh, it's Tuesday again.' or 'Oh damn, another Wednesday.' But Monday. It ends the weekend and begins another week that you have to get through til Friday.

Anyway, I feel like time is flying. There are so many things I want to do, but there's no time. I barely have time to watch the time pass me by, let alone fill it with plans.

Another thing about time, it doesn't heal all wounds. Whoever said that was a liar. It doesn't take away the pain. It doesn't make you forget. Scars are scars. Though they fade, and though they do get smaller, they're always there. The memory will always be there, every time you look at them.

But, you can't dwell. If you do you'll go crazy, if you're not already. Those scars remind you that you deserve better. They remind you not to make the same mistake again. They teach you lessons. They shape you, and mold you, and make you who you are. Your scars are your scars. Plus, they add character.

It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone. -Rose Kennedy

SeventySix.

How would you feel?

A friend of mine asks me that all the time. About everything. In every situation. Whether it's a situation that involves her or not. And even if it has absolutely nothing to do with me.

As annoying as it is most of the time, it's a good question.

Really taking the time to think about other situations, and how you would feel if that was you, is a really good way of putting things into perspective. How would you feel?

Sometimes you need that eye opener. It keeps you grateful. It keeps you humble. And in some cases, it gets you prepared.

So, look around.

How would you feel?

SeventyFive.

Mistakes... ( I know I come back to this topic a lot... )

In most cases (I said in most cases), you can't blame someone for making a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes, they build character. They are a natural part of life.

What you can do is blame someone if they don't bounce back, or if they don't get up and dust themselves off. Or if they don't try and make things right. That's when you can blame them. Doing anything else would be hypocritical.

So before you jump to conclusions and point fingers, take a step back. Everyone (in most cases) deserves a second chance, or at least a chance to turn things around.

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which at least others can learn from. - Al Franken.

SeventyFour.

I seem to have gotten myself into quite the situation...

Well, I'm sure if you've read any of my blogs you wont find this surprising, but I've got quite the dilema.

Let's say I have two... beverages.

One is new and refreshing, but a little too sweet. I still like it. I like it a lot. It quenches my thirst pretty frequently, as a matter of fact. Unfortunately, sometimes it leaves a bad, bitter taste in my mouth. I've debated sending it back a few times, but for some reason I'm not ready to get rid of it.

Then there's the other drink. It's cool, flavorful, and very appealing. It's bad for me, but I want it anyway. I don't care if it's dangerous, or a hazard to my health. I don't care if it impairs my judgement. I just want it. I haven't really had much of it yet, and I really just want to try it.

One is safe, and the other is far from it. One is good for me, and the other is so, so very bad.

So, what do I do?