DroptheMask

A great Greek philosopher named Epictetus (AD 55-AD 135) was once recorded as saying, "There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will."   His philosophy was rooted in his belief that although life is ultimately controlled by fate; individuals still have the ability and freedom to choose how they react to every fateful life situation they encounter. Being raised and traded as a slave in his early life and then crippled in his later years; Epictetus thus decided early on that he, alone, was the only one who could determine his life’s level of happiness and worry.   In comparison to Epictetus’ life and times, happiness seems so elusive to many people in this world of ours.   For some reason or another, the human race has always seemed to have issues (both minor and major) when it comes to the simple enjoyment and sheer pleasure of everyday life and living.   Regrettably, the act of worrying about matters be

In today’s world, gratitude and appreciation are often concepts that fall by the wayside during the chaos of everyday life and routines.   We all, for the most part, realize that life is a special gift and that the relationships that we foster within our daily living are something to be valued.   However, many of us also find ourselves far too busy to take the time to sit down, think, and truly assess and appreciate the countless aspects of all of the precious gifts we have in each of our lives. Unfortunately, we are not awaken to many of our lives’ blessings until something tragic or uncomfortable takes place—until we are faced with the possibility that we may lose the very blessings which we never truly realized we had in the first place.   Many times, it is only then—when life seems that it is at its toughest—that relationships, situations, and life, itself, actually seem to recapture their true meanings and really make sense again.   Sadly, it is in those times of confusion and p

It’s been nearly one month since the last time I blogged and, like always, so much has happened.   Once again, life always has a funny way of teaching us lessons which we never thought we would ever learn or even understand—and sometimes in the most peculiar ways.   Within the last 30 days or so, I have surprisingly found my soul mate and fallen in love in ways I never knew existed; and during the process, I have also discovered more about myself than I had ever dreamed possible. Through fate (and complex life situations), I have been blessed in the rare occasion of falling in love with my best friend and complete soul mate.   Without any manipulation of situations, others, or myself, I have been unknowingly and perfectly paired with the love of my life—all while neither of us even saw it coming.   Although we have “known of” one another for the last four years and have been relatively close acquaintances/friends over the last year or so; it has only been the last few months since we

May 9, 2011 It’s been nearly one month since the last time I blogged and, like always, so much has happened.   Once again, life always has a funny way of teaching us lessons which we never thought we would ever learn or even understand—and sometimes in the most peculiar ways.   Within the last 30 days or so, I have surprisingly found my soul mate and fallen in love in ways I never knew existed; and during the process, I have also discovered more about myself than I had ever dreamed possible. Through fate (and complex life situations), I have been blessed in the rare occasion of falling in love with my best friend and complete soul mate.   Without any manipulation of situations, others, or myself, I have been unknowingly and perfectly paired with the love of my life—all while neither of us even saw it coming.   Although we have “known of” one another for the last four years and have been relatively close acquaintances/friends over the last year or so; it has only been the last few month

April 14, 2011 “Life’s truest happiness is found in friendships we make along the way.” ~ Unknown It has always been amazing to me how much of a difference only one person can make in someone else’s life—both for the better and for the worse.   Just a simple smile, an open ear, or a willing heart at times has the ability to change one’s life forever.   As human beings, we were emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually designed for companionship and connection with other people.   We were surely not designed to stay quiet, closed up, or shut out and away from those who are so much like ourselves—that would be absolute hell on earth for anybody to endure.   Yes, I admit that it is vital for people to also have a certain amount of “alone time” in order to gather their thoughts and figure their own selves out in due time; however, once that self-awareness (and etc.) are found in one’s life, then it is time again to be reunited with other individuals.   In my own life, I am very

“I’m sorry that it had to come to this.” --February 2, 2010 That was the single text and only explanation that I have ever received from my now ex-husband on the night that he left me for someone else.   As soon as I had read those words, I knew that my life was about to change forever.   Everything that I had ever known and depended on in my life was on the very brink of alteration—all through the simple transmission of those nine heart-breaking words.    As soon as I laid my eyes on my phone screen, I collapsed into the fetal position on my floor—out of breath and in complete shock.  Even at that point, I knew it was over.   Once I regained enough energy to speak, I let out a wail of grief and hate toward him and everything good that I thought he once stood for.   At that moment, I hated him and everything about him for what he was about to put myself, our families, and especially our son through.   I full-heartedly admit that I was not the best wife, mother, or person ever—but, wh

Lately I have felt as if I don’t really belong anywhere, in particular.   Almost as if I am constantly just straddling the fence of life among the many different groups of friends, acquaintances, family members, and “life titles/roles.”   I just don’t seem to “fit in” with one particular group of people at all.   When I hang out with married friends I feel like the odd one out because I am divorced.   With my young, single friends I am the one with a child.   When I was in school, I was the one who had already graduated and who was there “just for fun.”   At work, I am seen as one of the “supervisors,” so not really trusted whole-heartedly.   And in my family, I am just seen as unsettled and confused.   Everywhere and anywhere I go, I am never “one of them”—I am always the “other.” This past weekend, I went to a birthday party for one of my sister’s friends and seemed to initially “blend in” with the crowd.   I have known many of her friends for several years now; so most of the time