Don’t Knock the Darkness Because Sometimes You Can Find the Stars There

Carrying a torch for the rest of life is hard. I’ve done it before and done it again, but after all these years, I’ve finally accepted that I will never be able to look back on my past with anything beyond sadness and regret. It’s okay to feel like nothing is going your way — whether that’s work, love, or life in general — because those feelings are always temporary. I only wish I’d learned that earlier.

But being sore and tired and being told off by my friends doesn’t make sense when they’re just trying to help me, so I really should just grit my teeth and bear it all the way through. Because there are times in life that are harder than others, of course, they are, but there are times in life where I’ve discovered little treasures that have reached out right into my hand. And sometimes, all you need is a moment’s pause to find it for yourself. To find it in the not-so-perfect things that life throws at you and to see beyond them and realize that those imperfections are perfections.

You say that everything is okay, and making it so only takes a small push. Just know that you’re okay. Know that life is okay. Even if it’s not as good as you’d like right now, know that everything is working itself out, one way or another. Because you’re right here, right now, and that’s enough to be happy about. And knowing yourself for who you are is a gift; it changes everything.

I’m only trying to get a little bit better. Work on me every day, but I guess the biggest realization is that I need to give myself time and space to do that without feeling guilty about it or worrying about what others think. Because then I’ll never improve my problems or myself, and then we are worse off than before.

I hope this doesn’t sound too depressing because it’s not. And I think that even if someone who reads this doesn’t agree, just remember that it’s okay to feel this way sometimes and don’t feel the need to change or ruin your life until you’ve learned a little more about yourself — your weaknesses, your strengths and everything in between. You never know what you might find along the way.

I know I’m not the only one who has been through all of this, and I have learned a lot over the years, so it is okay to be quiet sometimes. It just takes a bit of practice and trust. So if you’re feeling a little down, don’t give up. Talk with someone — maybe that’s you — maybe that’s them. Just talk. It doesn’t have to be about ‘all this or your problems; it can be about anything you want because the world is full of people who will listen.

But don’t knock the darkness because sometimes you can find the stars there. Because I believe that, deep down in your darkness, there lies a light that will shine on you when you try to find it. And I think that sometimes that makes you a much better person, and that’s probably why the light keeps coming back.

I know it’s not easy, but everything is okay if you believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, and believe that it can be different. And I truly believe that this world has more to offer than a place to sit and complain about it, so get off your couch or out of bed. Give life a chance. Be brave. Be you. And most of all, believe that you can because you will be surprised at what life has waiting for you.

So stay positive and don’t let your thoughts control your life. Think positive. Believe in yourself. You’re beautiful, and you have so much to offer the world. When I am feeling a little lost, it helps me to remind myself that everything is okay in the end if it isn’t okay now because then I can get through anything, and everything will be fine — someday. Just remember that there are times in life when you have to take a stand for yourself and for what you believe in. (not to offend anyone)

I know that things aren’t always easy, and it’s hard to be happy sometimes, but when you keep your head up, look the other way and even allow yourself a few seconds of looking back, I think you will find something positive behind the bad stuff. Something good is always waiting to be found.

So if you don’t feel like anything is going your way and that’s okay. You might be right there. But if you want a little bit more — if you want something or someone that will make life worth living, then go for it! You deserve it. And so does everyone else, so tell people how much they mean to you — and mean it! Because life can be beautiful sometimes, and even the ugly things become tolerable because of the good.

You are what matters most in this world. Sit up and take notice. Be the person you want to be, not what everyone else wants you to be. And remember that it’s okay if things don’t seem right. It’s okay if things are hard and not as smooth as they could be at times. Life is often a state of feeling lost in your mind, but when you get to know someone or follow your heart or dream, something really special happens — people feel like they matter.

So go on, take a chance, risk it, and you might just find that something good is always waiting for you at the end of the path. But remember to always look behind you and don’t listen to what others may say or even to yourself because there’s too much good in this world to ruin it with your negativity.

You’re special, and you matter. And if you think about it, so does everything else — no judgment, no hard feelings — no regrets. Whatever happens, is supposed to happen. Life will go on, and that’s okay.

Never stop dreaming, never stop believing in yourself, because the light at the end of your tunnel may just be a star or a wishing well or something that you’ve been waiting for or have been looking forward to.

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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.

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