support.

So so true.  Really liked this article I came across, talking about those times when you just feel like you're just given too much & you can't handle it. 

I've often felt that sometimes life can just feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to understand why certain events in my life happen, or why I meet the people I do.  I know that I sometimes find it hard to have faith in the plans God has for me.  But I think for me, faith is partly shown through the people I meet, the situations we meet through, and how we influence & support one another.  I just don’t know if words can ever express how blessed I feel, to have some of the people in my life that I do... or even did.  It's all contributed.

pride & prejudice.

Accomplished my summer goal & finished reading Pride & Prejudice this evening.  The language definitely made some parts a bit more difficult to understand, but I still really enjoyed the story & the characters.

I came across this article a few months ago, about how reading fiction lets us accept ambiguity & openness, & makes us better thinkers.  I want to continue to try to be an open-minded & accepting person, to embrace both commonalities & diversities - I hope that I can be surrounded by & have a life with those who feels the same.

new things.

Been in my own head a lot lately, attempting to process & deal with too many things.  Was reminded of this article I came across a few months ago... I kept it in my inbox because a lot of it resonated with me - the thoughts, the feelings, the pain.

Maybe you just need those words, those people, to remind you that sometimes it's okay to take the time you need.  And that you can move forward - one day at a time.

so hard.

happy & sad.

vulnerable.

cheerios.

There's been a lot going around online about this "controversial" Cheerios commercial.  Being from an interracial family and unfortunately having experienced discrimination first-hand - both with & without negative intent - this kind of issue really hits me hard. 

But the statements from the children also give me hope - "You are you."

one.

Thank you. 

Time & life are so... indescribable sometimes.  I will keep trying my best.

less difficult.

-George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans), Middlemarch

Although it may not be realistic, I think there is some vaid truth to the question.  I've never really read any "classics"... I should try to read this one sometime.  Along with some Jane Austen.

unsure.

Feeling a bit lost lately.  A bit like I'm just stumbling around.  It's hard to describe, but it's almost like sometimes I just feel so disconnected from so much, and I just really don't know what I am doing or what is going to happen.

I want to be patient and believe, humble myself, trust Him, and accept what and who I am.  But sometimes I just worry that I am just doing it all wrong or screwing it all up.

end of year.

Started watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy last night, my first time really sitting down to watch them since purchasing the extended edition DVD's many years ago.  I'd forgotten how much I love these movies, along with some things they represent.  This post I came across - Life Lessons Learned from Lord of the Rings & the Hobbit - touched on a few things that I try to keep in mind in my life, and want to continue into the new year. 

It's so easy to focus on relatively small negatives and be distracted from a world full of amazing and supportive positives.  I feel so blessed to have the family, friends & opportunities that I do, and want to try to always remember how much love there is in my life. 

2012 was a challenging year, full of many changes.  I wanted it to be a year of growth, and I think it has been, though unexpected in some respects.  2013 is shaping up to be another busy year, and I hope that I can be strong, and make the most of everything.

merry christmas.

Warmest wishes to all my friends & family this Christmas season <3

strength & patience.

Please, help me have strength and patience... in oh, so many ways.

trying...

I thought I was doing so much better, but I can't believe how much my feelings are hurt.  I feel so bad about myself, so utterly rejected.  Some moments I can't believe I can still hurt so badly, still be so sad.  What is wrong with me?

I know I should try keep faith that there is a plan for me.  But I feel like every time I just try to move forward, have hope, wait for things to get better, and that they're going to be okay, I get smacked down.  And it's really hard.  Every. single. time. 

I'm trying to be patient, and trying to remember that everything happens for a reason, but I really need things to get better soon.  I'm really, really, exhausted.

communion.

Struggling, but trying to keep on moving forward.  Just wish I was a bit stronger.

i believe.

summer evenings.

A summer evening, an intriguing story, and some good music.  Soothing.

testimony.

I hope it's a step forward.  Trying to keep on looking forward.

naturally.

Although I know I am who I am for a reason, sometimes... I wish I just fit a bit more naturally.

reflection.

Can be both painful & healing.