Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of our soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people we meet who affect our life, and the success and downfalls we experience, help to create who we are and who we become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts us, betrays us, or breaks our heart we must forgive them, for they have helped us learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when we open our heart. When someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love, and how to open your heart and eyes to feelings and emotions that are saved for special relationships.

Make every day count.

I have learned to appreciate every moment and I try to take from those moments everything that I possibly can, knowing that I may never be able to experience it again. We are social animals and as such gain experiences and become connected to the world outside ourselves by interacting with others. I gain added perspective on life by talking to people that I have never talked to before, listening, even when their ideas challenge my own. I have learned to let myself fall in love, I spend time and effort to avoid the routine, and I pay little to, and have no regard for the low standards considered acceptable by society. I create my own standards and hold my head up because I have every right to. We must tell ourselves that we are great individuals and we must believe in ourselves, for if we don't believe in ourselves, it is difficult for others to believe in us. We can make of our life anything we wish. Each day brings with it the opportunity to share, learn and positively impact the life or lives of others, if you love someone tell them, you'll be amazed at the impact it will have on your life.