Hard Truths

Despite what your Mama told you, bad things happen to good people.

All. The. Time.

And selfish, unkind people with poor motives catch breaks and do well.

And yes, maybe there’s karma, but still, it all seems so damn unfair at times.

You may live by an amazing set of values,

But can’t expect others to do the same.

And it will hurt you, devastate you, to find others so callous with your heart.

You will be disliked, sometimes for reasons you wish you could change.

And sometimes for no reason at all.

And the battle to be “liked” is one you will lose despite your best efforts.

Perhaps because it is an unworthy fight.

You will struggle. You will sweat. You will bleed.

You may cry into your pillow or rage out loud.

Your tears or protests will not change your circumstances.

Still…

Should you remain open to possibility

Despite the messiness of this living thing.

You will know laughter that crinkles your eyes and makes you gasp to catch your breath.

You will be given trust you have yet to earn

And love that has no conditions.

If you are lucky, you will know the feel of a child’s hand in yours

Their eyes looking to you with eager anticipation of all there is to learn and do.

You will find the right words at the right time to comfort a person in distress.

You will see that even in your perceived lacking, you have enough to share and give.

The hardest truth is this…

Life is ugly and beautiful, hard and easy, devastating and comforting, awful and amazing.

Sometimes all at once. Sometimes in seasons.

You cannot pick out your favorite bits and discard the rest.

It’s a wild ride and your best bet is to make it the best damn trip you can.