something I wrote awhile back after my father had passed, it's something I read from time to time to remind myself about the important things in life amongst the drudgery of doing the 9-5 and all the miniscule chores. Just wanted to pass it on:

Sometimes the world is cold and dark. Somedays nothing seems to go right and it feels as though the hole is too deep, the hill too steep. Sometimes the demons seem too strong and they cut through your heart and strangle your soul. It is during these times that the grace and love of those who care for you will illuminate the path, however, you are the only one that can make the choice to accept their hand and lift yourself from darkness.

"you are now at a crossroads. This is your opportunity to make the most important decision you will make. Forget your past. Who are you now?Who have you decided you really are now? Don't think about who you have been. Who are you now? Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it Powerfully"
Anthony Robbins

Life is a great gift. It allows one to feel the exhiliration of achievement, the love of friends and family, the cheer of a beautiful day, the gentle kiss of a loved one. It is a responsibility, an obligation. A life that is spent with grace, love, charity in the heart is truly worthwhile. Be free of your time, be free of your wealth and love. Love is infinite...the more you give, the more there is and the world becomes a better place. Know that you DO matter, you count, you can make a difference. You may not win a war, or save a rainforest but those you touch with laughter, those you comfort with compassion...you will mean the world to them. And that positivity will vibrate outward and continue to touch others. You do matter...the things you do will affect others and yourself.

Each day you have an infinate number of choices to make. Will you walk the path of mediocrity? Will you fall to the demons? Will you lie, cheat, steal, or hurt others? or Will you work hard? Will you touch those around you ina positive manner? Only you can decide.

"destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved"

William Jenning Bryan

Life is an opportunity. Embrace it, make it worthwhile, the things you do only for yourself will die when you die, the things you do for others will live on in eternity. True greatness does not come from wealth, it doesn't come from strength of weapons, nor does it stem from intelligence. True greatness comes from living a worthy life, one in which you enlighten the lives of others, one in which you make the world a better place to be in just by loving your fellow man, aiding those in need, being there for the people that matter to you. True greatness is not measured by what you have...it is measured by what you give.