Ever feel like throwing in the towel and calling it quits on life altogether? Waving the white flag at work and just saying your farewells or giving up the ongoing, never ending battle of raising little people to be healthy, polite, and clean human beings? Do you feel like giving up all faith that you have in yourself?

Tonight, I am at this point in my life where I just want to sit here, cry, and throw a huge tantrum because everything seems to just be going all wrong. But instead of reverting back to my terrible twos, I am picking up the keyboard and sharing this message with the world today. YOU ARE GOING TO BE OKAY!!!! For all of you out there who are reading this and nodding your heads, you are going to be okay. Go ahead and wave your flag for the day or night and do something that you have been wanting to do but could not find the time to do. Put a pause on all the things that you just have to get done. Let me share a little secret with you, Life goes on even if these things don’t get done. Trust me, I know how hard it could be to let go of the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life. I have carried the load far too long to know that it is on there really good.

Being on the verge of tears right now is not good for anyone right now, not even for myself. I know what it feels like when the weight of everyone’s world rests on your shoulders. For me it feels like this because of my worries, my fears, and my expectations. I know, I know what you are going to say, I thought we were supposed to minimize our expectations to minimize our disappointments. Well this goes to show that at times I too need a reminder. We worry so much about the things that might be, that we are missing what is right in front of us. Ironically, one of my favorite quotes is by Mark Twain and he says, “I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened” and yet I continue to do the same. I think to myself now what will it take.

I have an idea that we should do together. Let’s change the way that we are viewing our lives at this very moment. Say three things that you are grateful for right now in spite of the negativity you feel towards them right now. I will start. Even though my job drives me insane, because of it I have the ability to provide a home for my three beautiful kids. Although my house may not be spotless, I can look around and see that my kids are happy and are living their best life. At this time, life may be kicking my butt however I have come a far ways from where I once was. I can look back on the journey that I have travelled and be thankful for where I am at today. I want you to say your three things out loud. Don’t be afraid, be honest, and mean every word you say. Let these words fall from your lips and resound in your ears. Put it out to God and the universe and let them rest where they may. Now tell me that it didn’t make you feel better. Although the initial thought was negative, there is still some positive that came from these thoughts. There is always some light to be found in the darkest places.

Sometimes we all need a reminder that we are going to be okay. I often find myself so up close and personal with a problem that I get overwhelmed and I forget to step back and tilt my head to find another way. For some people, there is a constant reminder and for others the reminder is lost in a sea of thoughts, responsibilities, to do’s and don’t forgets that it feels as though there is no way out. I challenge you all as I challenge myself to step back at least once a week to see not just the problems but also to take in all of the many things that you have accomplished and the many things that are happening right before your eyes. Especially if you have children, take the time to get down on their level and make memories with them. Do you accept my challenge? I hope you do. Thank you for being my reminder tonight. I thank every one of you that have taken the time to read this message.