Jax's Artistic Journey...

If everyone was provided a warning sign about challenges lurking ahead, we would avoid those things that would have shaped our future, and potentially affect the person we are now.

Lately, I've been seeing a common trend among folks: lack of motivation, depression, stress, anger, tension, etc. It's not just author friends but those outside of my writing circle, the stranger at the grocery store, the check-out clerk at the mall, the driver who is in a rush to get somewhere...and it's giving me a lot of food for thought.

I'm normally an upbeat personality type and though there are moments when I fit into the group mentioned above, I try to center my energy into the positive. Believe me, there's been times when I'm raising my fist to the sky and asking, "Why me?" but the simple answer is that the Universe knows and things--good or bad--happens for a reason. I won't lie, I've had a very good childhood and adulthood, but I've also had a very tragic and painful one as well. It's never stopped me from dreaming or aspiring to do more. It's never stopped me from following my heart. So, during this time of so much trials and tribulations, I thought I'd point out a few things for you to think about...things that have helped me wake up in the morning and push forward even when I would have much preferred to wallow...

Life isn't easy, if it were, we'd be bored silly. I've always believed that these challenges in our lives really show us what kind of person we are. Just as much as the relationships in our lives impact us. Especially people who have come and gone. People who have stayed for the long haul. People who we've encountered who taught us a thing or two about ourselves during the transitions in our lives. People we've lost connection with because they were there for different reasons in our lives. The fact remains, we need people. AND they need us just as much because when we can show them a bit of positivity, a small amount of strength, it may be just what they need to keep moving. Imagine what a bundle of positive vibes can do for one person, times a dozen, a hundred, a million...one person does make a difference.

When it comes down to it, I've got plenty of flaws, but I do believe in the good in all people, and I do believe that when we make an effort it will show along the way. We may not always do the right thing but we learn from it. Every day we are growing and life is simply a learning process. When we think we know it all, we don't. We're not perfect. We make mistakes and there will be times in our lives when we feel lost and confused, but that is the time when we are reflecting on everything and forming a solid foundation of who we are. Just remember that during these trying times, we shape the lives of people that we know, that we'll never know--but someday when we least expect it, someone we've interacted with in our past will say to us, "Thanks for changing my life." We may scratch our heads and wonder what we've done. We may even pray that it was a good life change for them, but the bottom line is, that person will remember what you've done. Perhaps they'll do the same for someone else by passing it on...

Every now and then I have the need to ramble, to inspire myself. If more people stayed positive, even when they're surrounded by so much negativity, we might cause a chain reaction that could warm the world.

Here's something to think about:

♦ Don't worry about what "may" happen today, tomorrow, or in the near and distant future. It's wasted energy. We can't control these things, so why dwell on them.

♦ Never believe anyone who says, "you can't". Yes, you can do anything you set your mind on. If you succeeded, you've proven it's possible. If you failed, you've proven you tried and understand your limitations.

♦ There's something out there greater than all of us. There's someone out there who loves each and every one of us, no matter who we are.

♦ When we see bad examples, we don't have to repeat them. When we create good examples, we can spread them.

♦ Be true to yourself. Embrace your flaws just as much as you embrace your accomplishments. The two teaches you a valuable lesson on what you need to improve upon and what you are capable of.

♦ Forgive yourself. The hardest person on you, IS you.

♦ Believe in yourself. Without this, it's the only crutch that's between you and unlimited possibilities.

♦ When you think you're all alone in this world, you aren't. There are billions of people out there. There are billions of chances to be a friend and to have a friend. There are billions of chances so we shouldn't think that we're going it alone.

♦ It's never too late to change.

♦ Life is too short. Live each day full of passion. Live each day full of purpose. Live each day full of love. Live each day as if it were your last.