After like, three years, I'm back. Hopefully will be updating all of my long-neglected (but never forgotten) stories. :)

.: A LITTLE SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GO:.

Okay, life is hard. You don't need me to tell you that.

I don't want to lecture anyone or give a sermon here, but I just want to say that this day, whatever day it might be, is really special, and never forget what a gift it is.

Even if you had a horrible test today or drama with your friends, you are alive. There is so much ahead of you and you have so much to offer. You can read and write; you have access to a computer, clothes on your back. That's already more than a startling number of people elsewhere in the world. You can change things. I know it's hard, sometimes, to be grateful for what you do have, but trying really goes a long way.

We all could give so much to the world. Even if you don't go blasting off to Africa to put a stop to world hunger, you can still make a difference here...we all know there are flaws everywhere, so why not start off where you are? You could have ended up anywhere in the world, really, so you are where you are for a reason. And if you don't feel there's any reason you are where you are, make one.

Just try to do something nice for someone today. It could be something as big as standing up for someone you hardly know (or even someone you know really well), or it could be something as seemingly small as smiling at a stranger on the road. You never know how far that smile could go; I know they've brightened my day before.

Pay for veterans' coffee if you see them standing in line. Tip your hotel housekeepers, smile at custodians. Send your teachers thank-you cards. (They've worked hard to help you succeed, even if you don't like their subject or teaching style. No teacher ever wants to see a student fail, and it's SUCH a thankless job, so show 'em a little respect will ya?)

Try to be friendly, even if you're in a bad mood. We're all stuck on this planet together, so the least we can do is try to get along, and it won't kill you.

Be polite to servers, etc. Maybe you're supplying part of their salary, but they're just working hard to make an honest living.

Always try your best to be empathetic before you judge. You don't know the person, and maybe you never really will. You can never tell what someone's going through or what their life is like; even if they're off-the-bat nasty to you, don't give them reason to be. Being sympathetic goes such a long way and can be so rewarding. Surprise them! Treat them how you'd like to be treated and open their eyes a little.

Forgive. Holding grudges doesn't do any good at all, especially not to you. They don't bring you any joy.

Listen to people when they talk to you. And when I say listen, I mean please, really listen. Look them in the eyes, consider their opinions and feelings. Give them your undivided attention and try not to be texting, or something. Sometimes all a person really needs is to know that someone is hearing them and they're not invisible.

Consider others and respect their opinions, even if you disagree. There are two sides to every coin, and neither one is better or more important than the other.

Think of yourself last.

Play Barbies with your little sister, watch old movies, sing at the top of your lungs in the shower. Why not wish on a star? But don't forget to work hard; wishes can't take you all the way there.

If you notice someone seems down, chances are they are - maybe they just don't want to talk about it. So do something little to perk up their day. Leave them a surprise cupcake, or something - I'm serious :P who wouldn't want to find a cupcake sitting on their chair when they're feeling blue? And remember, you don't need to take credit for everything you do. An anonymous "I'm thinking of you" bouquet of flowers packs such a punch.

Never look down on someone unless you're helping them up.

Give a little more than you take, and leave more than was there.

What if we all left the world a better place for our being here? Many small things could quickly become something big, and never underestimate your ability to do either! :) You could try to change or affect something you feel strongly about.

Otherwise...what's really the point of being here, if when you leave, the world is exactly the same way it was when you came?

Keep your head held high and don't let the ugliness of this world drag you down. The world has a very beautiful side too, and you can be part of it.

Remember...

Yes, there are cracks in everything, but that's how the light gets in! :B (Leonard Cohen quote.)