Running away...An action we probably most associate with a child packing up his or her bags and hiding out at a friend's house because life is "unfair" or "Mom made me do my chores again." Running away means leaving everything behind...or at least trying to...looking for a new place to restart or erase your previous actions and start anew. Running away may make one feel free, invincible, as if the world is just within reach. Running away may be temporary, for a few months, or for years. But it has occurred to me that no matter how far we try to run away from something, it will always come back.

I know this because I have experienced it first hand, in fact, too many times to even count. No I didn't literally run away, but I tried to in my mind. I tried to put behind me old friends, past actions, and lost love. But even now, those people, places, and things still come back to me. Things I thought I had let go. I guess I really hadn't all along...

Friends and family of mine have moved to different states, even across the US, but still their souls are unsettled because their problems follow them wherever they go. Some of my friends even came home this semester from college because things did not get better by leaving. In fact, they sometimes even got worse. I guess sometimes the answers we are looking for are right in front of us all along.

It is not bad to travel or to retreat to a new place, but just remember that no one's life is perfect and you would not be who you are today, whether for the good or bad, if you were not where you are right now. Although it may not seem like it, you are needed and loved by someone. You can't just run away from them or from your real self. Running away from life's every day "dramas" will not change when you alter your location. Mom will not suddenly get better...those debts will not just be paid off...and your job will always be stressful unless YOU decide to make it enjoyable.

Try to face your problems instead of waiting too long. Pay those bills, visit your grandma in the hospital no matter how much you want to cry, call your dad even if you haven't talked for years...and remember to always tell someone you love them. Do not just run away. So unpack%2

On March 11, I went to one of the greatest concerts of my life with my mom...We went to see Michael Buble! For those of you who don't know who he is, he sings the classic "big band/Frank Sinatra" music and also sings the Billboard hit, "Home." His concert was amazing! He is such a fun guy who really loves singing and his music. I was thrilled because during his concert, he jumped off the stage and into the audience and I actually got to meet him! Here is the picture for proof. :) That night I learned that sometimes things happen when you least expect them too. So my new thinking is that I am just waiting to be surprised with the least expected...What do you think?

Hello everyone!

Well, I never thought I would be making one of these, but life is full of surprises...Things happen when you least expect them to, and even when you don't think they can. I guess the purpose of me writing on this blog is to get some thoughts out there, hear some new ideas and opinions, and especially to give advice to readers like you who want an honest opinion from someone.

I have gone through a lot of strange, interesting, and difficult relationships and situations in my life. I have loved and lost, laughed and cried, and wondered what the heck God's plan is for me. But through all of the "tough stuff," I have learned that life is full of ups and downs and our mission in life is to learn how to hang on during the crazy roller coaster rides we are on.

Out of my group of friends, I am the counselor and listener of the group. Sometimes perfect strangers will start telling me their problems and ask for advice in the middle of a grocery store or at a restaurant. I love helping people and encouraging them as they find their way. It means the world to me. So as I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope you all will write about what you are thinking, situations you are going through, and help me learn about myself and this crazy path we all walk on called life. I will be happy to help you or just have a fun conversation.

I look forward to your responses and questions and hope this turns out to be as fun as I heard it is. Talk to you later!