Time Taken.

A lot of times life likes to throw you a few... interesting challenges every now and then just to keep you on your toes, and almost 99.9% of the time they come quite... unexpectedly.

These challenges can be good or bad, but even the bad ones are learning experiences in the end -- right? At least, that's how I have been attempting to look at things.

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Well, you, you were quite the curveball in my life. I had just gotten out of a relationship, but I chose to take the time I had to work on myself and my mental health, as well, and just truly heal. For months. Even after I had met you.

I truly was a much lighter, happier person after doing so. I felt like the old me again. I felt like myself. I was genuinely whole again.

A few months go by and as I'm meeting people, making as many friends as I can... There you are.

You were unbelievable.

You were a breath of fresh air. Like a warm place to land after a long day. Like home. And truthfully, I felt that almost immediately and I think you did too.

This one was different.

How was it that you came around when I least expected it? When I wasn't even looking, much less interested?

But there you were. With that big goofy grin and a laugh that could fill an entire room. There you were.

Fast forward, and you're showing up to my house. You had been asking me on dates, but I was so unsure of things that I kept saying no. And yet, there you were. every time. I remember that night so well. You showing up to my house, us hanging out and talking for what felt like hours, going to check on your brother because he might have had one too many, driving around in your old black truck listening to songs you wouldn't think I would know, Pulling over in some random parking lot and getting nervous, so I pulled you out of the truck and we danced to Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. The moon was full that night.. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. And all I could think about was how it was possible that someone could make me feel so excited but so calm at the same time.

I think of that night often.

After that we were inseparable. You had become my very best friend. The inside jokes we had. The looks we could give without any words. The goofiness together. The songs we would sing. We truly were best friends and we truly loved each other so deeply. Even now, you know?

It's strange how quickly things can change.

What's that one quote? Slowly, and then all at once? I'm pretty sure it was talking about falling in love, which.. yeah, but in this instance let's use it for how quickly life can switch up on you.

Because it can.

Life can switch up so slowly, and then all of a sudden it feels like the world is crashing down on you all at once.

I know, I know. "Everything happens for a reason." But that doesn't mean you won't be left confused or hurt or even heartbroken. Things do happen for a reason, and I am so grateful for that. But dang, if it doesn't absolutely suck sometimes. Speaking frank.

I trust that everything happens for you and not against you. I trust that God truly has a plan greater than our own. I do. And I know this.

Honestly, this whole scenario has caused me to look at things so differently. Never take the time you have with the people you love so much for granted. In general, Never take the people that you love for granted. If you love someone, tell them. If you feel something, speak it. Nothing should ever be left unsaid or unheard if it is only going to bring positivity in or allow room for growth and positive change.

That's one thing I never understood about people.

I am 100% a certified 'lover girl,' which basically means, I love deeply. Like very deep. I feel it all, and I want that same type of love ya know? And also, when I love you, like truly love you, that's for life. I'll always love you. But, I want what any girl wants. I want the romance, the flowers, the surprise dates, the random "I miss you" calls or texts. I want the thoughtfulness, truly. The consideration.

So, with that being said, I just don't understand how so many people go throughout their day depriving not only themselves, but others the privilege of showing someone or letting someone know just how much they love them.

People tend to overcomplicate things. People let their friends get in the way. They allow other peoples opinions to dictate their lives and allow others to dictate what they should do or say or even how they should feel. When in reality, it's not up to everyone else. It's up to you. It's your life. It's your happiness. At the end of the day, these people aren't going to be with you forever. It's just the truth. So why would you let others be the dictation of your own happiness in life? Why not allow that decision for yourself?

I hope that you guys reading this will allow yourselves the honor of just showing up. Showing up for yourselves, for the person you love, for the people that you love. And that doesn't mean spending money or doing these extravagant things.. It just means showing up even when you don't want to or don't think it will matter. Because trust me, it will always matter.

Our best looks different every day, but as long as you are doing you're best... That's what counts.

Just some food for thought <3

...Stay Radiant!