I have this on and off relationship with the sun that’s been going on for quite some time now, and I can’t seem to understand why. Every day we meet at the same spot, the rooftop of an 18-floor apartment building, and we talk about many things ranging from daily quandaries of life to bigger dilemmas beyond my control. Sometimes we don’t even talk at all and just enjoy the moment in silence. This relationship could go on for a couple of days, but then one day I come to the same spot, at the same time, waiting, and she doesn’t show. Needless to say, I tend to get upset when she does this, even more upset because this could continue for days and I don’t know when she might come back. She leaves without a warning; no letter, nothing. I am at my worst these days.

Before I started dating, I already had my ears fed with several things that happen in most dating relationships. One of them was that even with someone you love, you will have heated arguments and conflicts.

Have you wondered how to get started with journaling? This video talks about reflective journaling and how it is useful.

Pursue Happiness at all costs regardless of the risk - this is what I was told as a child. Chase your dreams, never let go of them and never let anyone tell you differently. This seed was planted in my mind at an impressionable age and little did I know it would impact me for the rest of my life. I don’t think my dad knew at that moment how much this saying would resonate with me, and how it would shape my life today. That saying became so meaningful to me I got it tattooed across my body because it is what I live and stand by. I feel body art signifies overcoming a defining point in your life, and to all the brave soles who shared their story, I applaud you for giving me the courage to share mine. Every meaningful piece of body art follows a worthwhile story, this is my tattoo - this is my story.

Many years ago, I was lost in the belief that if you wanted to express yourself you would have to go through life being critized by others. I tried very hard to hide my true self from most people. This made me feel very lost being I knew I wasn't exactly who I wanted to be. I did know that I didn't want to be judged by others, or made fun of. The way I was raised was always the same saying over and over again. "Think of how others will view you, and make sure you dress the way you want to be viewed."

You meet many people in your life at different stages, some are good to you while some are not. Some people have the same mindset as you and some have not. Probably that's the reason you assume a lot of things to the person with your first meet or maybe after two or three. But did you ever notice what sort of mental health that person could be suffering though? And Like what type of mind he or she has, what makes her so vexed, dejected, impertinent, and insolent to others?

*TW: Mental Health

When a person truly wants to make a change in their life, you start to notice situations and treatment of others that were not obvious while solely being busy with just mundane aspects of life.

When people asked me what I wanted to be, for the longest time my answer was happy. For a good portion of my life, I wasn’t sure if that was something that I was capable of. I still admire the people I meet that have naturally bubbly personalities that make everyone want to be around them. I have struggled with depression for so long that a while ago, I did not think there was ever going to be a light at the end of my tunnel. Between an abusive biological father, losing a child, a divorce, and the absence of a sibling all by the age of twenty-two, you could say that the depression I’ve struggled with was warranted. From a young age I began turning to books as an escape and amongst my favorites were all of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. I have read the entire series at least five times, and the last two at least seven. Those books brought me joy, laughter, tears, love, and most importantly… Hope.

Funny how it takes a change of scenery and breaking of routine to find exactly what you're looking for.

Sometimes I rub people the wrong way. Not everybody likes me and what I do and I accept that. It comes with everything I'm trying to do. If I let it get to me I would simply be wasting energy that I could be applying elsewhere in more impactful ways. But I also feel like people misunderstand me a little bit and everything that I'm about. They say I try too hard and take things a little too far sometimes. I often get the question "Well, why can't you just be normal?". Don't get me going on that one, please. Different topic for a different day.

One of the things we all wish for is to lead a relatively drama free life.