Etwas ein bisschen anderes

I have been thinking a lot recently about a lot of silly things. I have felt tired, frustrated, and very much alone. Yesterday, I called my mom and told her that sometimes I feel like no one asks me questions about myself or really wants to know anything that matters to me. She, being the wise woman she is, told me that sometimes you need to share without being asked. After I hung up with my mom, I went out with my friends and danced the night away. Not so alone, am I?

This morning, I started thinking more about our conversation and the way I really feel. Here is what I have discerned:

A lot of the time, loneliness is self inflicted. If you are unhappy about being alone and you feel sad for yourself, chances are, that is no one else's doing. I realize that sometimes I get so far inside myself that I am only isolated because I have somehow chosen it.

That being said, there are a few things that we could all learn from my "revelation" of sorts:

1. People matter. The thoughts and feelings of those around you are valid. Even if you may not agree, or you cannot see where they are coming from, people should always feel like their emotions are significant.
2. Listening is a gift. One of the most beautiful gifts you can give to another person is a listening ear. While this may seem like a cliche or an overly emotional look at life, it is important to remember that we are not solitary beings. Humans are made to be in communion with one another, and one great way to do that is through communication.
3. Self-pity is fast growing. Once you start to think, "poor me, no one cares what I think" you have embarked on a slippery slope. It's true that sometimes other people don't care what you think, but that doesn't make you less relevant, nor does it give you license to act as though you are the long-suffering listener.

I know that this is a little different from my other postings, but I figure that this is a platform to write what I think and feel. Today, I feel this.

Lastly, the sun is shining today and I, being an optimistic person, have something to share, a version of which I am certain  you have all heard me say:
The world is full of enough darkness. Bad attitudes, sadness, and complaints are all part of this overarching shadow. The most magnificent thing, however, is that we, as humans, have the power to dispel this darkness. The light that shines within our hearts can be shone through us, like light bulbs that are switched on by compassion. So, as silly or romanticized as it seems, maybe it's time we all shed a little more light and helped to clear some of those shadows.

Last night, my friend Sam gave a message at our weekly worship service talking about bearing good fruit. Now, whatever your faith structure may be is not the point. We can all grow tall and bear good fruit to improve the world in which we live if we try.

So, since I don't want to freak you out by having a non-musical post, I leave you with a recommendation for today:

-"Three Little Birds"-Bob Marley

Because every little thing really will be alright.