Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there…to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them and know that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen which at that time may seem horrible, painful, and unfair; but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits so that we can rediscover the limitless expanse of our souls.

Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere: safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can help create who you are, and bad experiences can be opportunities for learning. In fact these may be the most poignant and important lessons...  If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count.  Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again.

Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen.  Let yourself fall in love, or allow yourself to break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself:  if you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will.  Create you own life and live it.

Share this with anyone and everyone you believe has made a difference in life!

"If you take your eyes off your goals, all you see are obstacles."