Ever hear the phrase "Carpe Diem"?  It is latin for "sieze the day".  If you've seen Dead Poet's Society then you've heard it.  That is truly a phrase to live by if there ever was one.  I came to this realization a few years ago, thanks in part to the puppy I had around that time - Higgins. Here's higgins:

It's funny, but one day I was just out taking Higgy for a walk and watching him frolic in the snow under a clear blue sky, and I realized that he didn't have a care in the world. He was happy to just have fun. It was at this time that all of a sudden I realized that life is too important to sweat the small stuff, and that happiness is the most important thing.  I won't describe the exact events that led to this realization, but it was a very special moment for me.  I've grown inside, in my heart, and I wouldn't give that growth up for anything.

Following this realization, things I value in life have changed.  I have an extreme appreciation for the little things in life. Have you ever stopped to smell the air in the spring?  In the winter, nothing really smells.  In the spring, you can smell new life in the air.  Try it sometime.  I also LOVE to have a clear day or night,  so I can look up into the sky and try to fathom the size of this great universe.  It puts life into perspective.  In this huge world, I am one tiny person.  At night time, I like to just stare at the moon and think about how incredibly far away it is, and yet its light touches us.  Along with these things, the comfort of certain things is greatly underrated.  A hot cup of tea has the ability to soothe my nerves and emotions, and to make me feel better in general. Finally, I can't express how important good friendships are.  Friends can help you through anything, trust me.
 
 

Speaking of friends... one of the most special people in my life deserves mention on this page, because without him, I may not be who I am today.  This person is Cory Miller, and he is a very special individual.  We've known eachother for nearly three years now, and we've been through a lot together.  He always makes me smile, and helps me forget what is bad, and focus on what is good.  I love you Cory.

I have had this vision in my head for a long time...  Picture a perfectly clear, sunny day in July.  Now, in front of you is this huge rolling field of daisies.  Over on the right of this field is a large tree, with a swing attached to one of its huge branches.  I have to find a place like this.  I have moments when I close my eyes and imagine myself in a flowing white dress, spinning around in this field, arms outstretched, looking up to the sky.  One of these days, I'm going to draw this image... but for now, your imagination will have to do.  This is a very happy, peaceful image for me.  If anyone knows of such a place, let me know...I have a lot of spinning to do.

On a lighter note, I love to have fun and to laugh.  Laughing is the best remedy for whatever ails you.  Tickling is underrated.  I highly encourage you to do whatever necessary to make yourself laugh.  Heck, laugh at yourself if you can, you won't take things so seriously.  If you're having trouble, check these out: