These are the reasons.

Living is so BIG because....

1) Dogs are good cuddlers

2) Can't get enough Pizza

3) I love sharing Angels!
but most of all

4) I have found the love of my life, Victoria Christensen! Love you baby!

Do not forget to have time for yourself.  Now a days, things may seem a bit chaotic and fast-paced with this society, so why not stop and try a new route.  How about instead of worrying about the bills, acknowledge the bills in a calm and collective manner and all the other clutter and distraction and move on taking some time out for yourself.  Actually, take A LOT of time out for yourself.  Do something you enjoy.

Personally I take care of Mind, Body & Spirit on a daily basis.  For me I make it a point to do this everyday, or else I may feel a bit dragged if not.  I continually feed my mind positive thoughts.  That's one for the mind aspect.  Check.  I workout and eat as healthy as possible.  That's another for the Body aspect.  Check.  As for Spirit, I like to meditate, or walk around in nature.  Spirit aspect.  Check....

So what can you do on Valentine's Day? 

"Send someone a card. Go read a book to a senior citizen. Read a book with a child. Tape valentine's day cards to the door of everyone you know. Eat some chocolate--but better yet--SHARE your chocolate! Call someone you haven't talked to in a while. " 

People shouldn't be black.  People shouldn't be female.  People shouldn't be fat.  People shouldn't be gay.  People shouldn't be poor.  People shouldn't be wealthy.  People shouldn't be Muslim.  People shouldn't be Republican.  I could go on forever about what you and I, as people, shouldn't be.

Where do we learn this?  It can't be innate.  Babies will smile at anyone, true little pink, toothless paragons of acceptance.  They don't care how old, fat, bald, conservative, and/or gay you are.  They're usually just so damned happy to see your face.  No, it is a legacy, something like a beautiful grandfather clock, lovingly passed from generation to generation, only not beautiful in any way.  It is something we teach our children, an heirloom seed of hatred passed down a long line.  Fortunately, the world is shifting.  A wave of acceptance is slowly changing the way we, as a whole, view our world and what we teach our children.

As parents, it is our responsibility to teach them that the only thing people shouldn't do is hurt themselves or one another, physically or emotionally.  Hitting and hating - they both hurt.  What people should do is be kind and compassionate.  Be honest and helpful.  Respect people, their ideas, their beliefs, their choices, and welcome them because of their differences, not in spite of them.  Keep an open heart, and sincerely seek joy for others.  And if you do hurt someone, and you will, be repentant.  And be forgiving of others when they hurt you.  Work together to enrich and improve the world around you, and whatever you do, do it with love.

Thank you for lending me your ear for a moment.  You can have it back now.  Except for you, Mr. Van Gogh.  I'm keeping yours.

*steps down from the soap box and heads to work*

My appreciation is for this life, for this body, and for every moment of my life just because all the moments are experiences that provide as to the consciousness to understanding that we are all the same.  We are all one... We are light and energy... Perfection.... Beauty... We can use many words but there are no words to describe it.  We can just feel it.  And every second, moment, and breath provides us to feel truthfulness.

Something that changed my life forever was choosing to get involved. 

I found the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in May of 2012. I immediately contacted them asking how I could volunteer. They sent me a package of information explaining their mission and what they offer to others. 

I knew I wanted to help more. 

They often say you lose yourself when helping others. And I wanted to do that. 

In August of 2012, I participated in the Out of Darkness Walk in Salt Lake City, Utah. It helps raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. You are also able to walk in remember of the loved you have lost to suicide. 

I also have been able to participate in my local chapter  of AFSP; which taught me that when you are able to relate to someone who is struggling with the same thing you are - walls are broken down and barriers are removed. 

At the Out of Darkness walk, I was able to meet the members of Living Is So Big. They taught me just not about suicide prevention, but about life appreciation. What do you have to live for? What makes you happy? How do you appreciate life? It changed how I viewed things; it also inspired me to keep helping.... 

Yes, I am a High School Musical fan. There is a song called 'We're All in This Together' towards the end of the first movie. The lyrics sing, "Everyone is special in their own way. We make each other strong - we're not the same. We're different in a good way. Together's where we belong."

I recently watched a movie called Pitch Perfect. Yes, it is a ridiculous movie and I have seen it 3x in the movie theater. Each time i enjoy the experience of going more and more, because everyone is laughing together and clapping together to the music. It is an experience unlike any other I have experienced at a movie theater before. Everyone is laughing together and literally cheering for the good guys to win! Everyone walks out of the movie theater dancing and singing to the music. They are all in it together. 

Everything that happens, no matter what happens... Realize everything happens to you for a reason.  Never give up.