tough times

tonight i recalled something mikey said over dinner. judging others does not make any sense because you are making an assessment on one moment in time with no real idea of what motivates that person's actions or the many factors influencing his life. in essence, no knowledge of all the things that weighed in in his thought process.

i try to remember that and find the patience and insight to understand those around me facing difficult situations.

comforting words come easily.

i am sorry for your loss . . . i understand . . . things will get better.

do these words offer any solace? often things get worse before they get better. and sometimes shit happens- death, illness, loss- for no reason at all. there is no one to blame. though war and depression, life goes on.

and so in the end, the answer begins with oneself. it is with the knowledge that we are all immensely resilient in the face of adversity. that we make the choice to continue to live our lives and determine our future by summoning the courage and strength to pick up the pieces and start again. . .