Playing favorites

Life has been throwing major curveballs lately. I don't completely understand how and why I ended up here, but I am accepting these new challenges with an open heart and open mind. I am thankful and overwhelmed for having a wonderful family, friends and colleagues who have shown me unconditional love. They support me during this very difficult time. No questions asked. They just do.

The blogosphere community is also filled with so much loving and amazing people. You really find rare treasures from the most surprising moments and strangest instances! Thanks to everyone who has sent their well wishes and words of wisdom via email and Twitter. Seriously, I wish I could all bake you some cupcakes or something to say thanks. You're the coolest! :)

Anyway, I have decided to play favorites today and quote posts and entries that have made me smile and given me inspiration. Hopefully, these would also throw some positivity and lightness your way. I realized that you really don't have to look far because inspirations and uplifting words are everywhere. We live in a very beautiful world. Life is beautiful. Here are my favorites:

Stephanie from The Loudmouth Lifestyle in her entry "List :: Resolutions, Revisited":

Always forgive, never forget, and stay positive. This is something I work towards every day. Even though I've been hurt time and again, focusing on those instances only hurts me more. Some days are harder than others, but I like to believe that I'm building character and becoming a better person as a result. I have much to be grateful for, and I try to concentrate on that!

Amber guest-posted for Kate from Scathingly Brilliant the other day and wrote this post "Ten Ways to Fix a Bad Day":

Remember that tomorrow is a new day. I know that none of these tips are revolutionary, but on rotten days, a smile really goes a long way. Just remember that everyone has bad days—the bad days just make the good days even sweeter. The sun will rise again. What seems insurmountable by evening will lighten up by morning-- I promise.

Melissa from Bubby and Bean in her post "When the Madness Ends":

In the cycles of our lives, there will be many times like this - times where the madness comes to an end, and we turn corners, and we watch good things appear.  The older I get, and the more I experience, the more I see the truth in this.  Something substantial will always undoubtedly arise from those times where we're wading through the crap.

Last but not the least, the cool people from Free People's "Monday Quote": 

“Life is like a camera lens. Focus only on what’s important and you will capture it perfectly.” ~ Unknown

My heart is filled with nothing but gratitude, love and praises for Him. I am now struggling to pick up the broken pieces. It may not be perfectly whole again but I am hopeful that in His perfect time, it will mend. This too shall pass.

God bless us all. :)