Hope in the Aftermath

"What we do does not define us. What define us is how well we rise after falling."

I love this quote from the movie Maid in Manhattan and I couldn't agree more to it. I don't think anyone should be defined by their past, or by their mistakes or by the decisions they make for that matter. I'd like to believe that these people do things because of something; a reason, a purpose, a desperate moment and the actions they make are what they hope are the best ones if not the right ones. And if they made the wrong choice, at least by then they would know what the right one is. With every challenge is a life lesson waiting to be learned. With every mistake is a right decision waiting to be made. And all of these, contribute to who one will become in the future; hopefully wiser, stronger and better people. 

No one should look down on anyone, especially not on themselves. Even the Lord knows we aren't perfect. Cut yourself some slack, life is hard and no one is given a manual to life and love. You're supposed to make mistakes because these mistakes would teach you, humble you and make you learn how to appreciate what you have and what you don't. Mistakes are acceptable, as long as you don't make the same mistakes twice. It is also important not to live in the past and not to linger in the pain these mistakes have caused you. You should be able to learn from these mistakes, pick yourself up and move on. There's a reason we all walk forward and not backwards. 

No one is too far gone, we can all leave the past behind, no matter how dirty or shameful it is. But leaving the past behind doesn't mean forgetting it, you should always remember how it was like and always keep in mind that it's not the life you should be living anymore. Never ever forget the reason why you already left it but do not relive it anymore. There is a difference.

Look back but don't walk back. Remember but don't forget to not regret. And remember, your past does not define who you are and who you can be. Your character is made up of every part of your life, you should be ashamed of nothing. 

There is always a second chance for those who want to be better. There is always a second chance for those who want to learn. But do not push it, even God's grace should not be taken advantage of. Even if we are expected to make mistakes, stupid mistakes are not excused. 

And at the end of this life, I hope that all of us did what we all wanted to do, took all the chances given to us, took risks at life and love, said all the things we wanted say, because at the end of the day I am more than sure that we would regret more the things we did not do than those we actually we did.

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Continue to inspire and be inspired. Look for love. Fall in love, not only with people, but places, nature, beauty, food, activities, moments and be happy. Be fulfilled. Be content.

Do not just be alive but live. Do not fear anything but fear itself. And do not let anything, not even yourself, keep you from reaching your dreams and becoming who you want to be for we only live once, we should at least make it meaningful.

Agape,

Starfire.