Dark times have fallen upon so many of us these past few days. We hurt so deeply that we can't see beyond the despair that has consumed us. All of the "what if's" and "could be's" cloud our vision for today and leave us in a stupor of self-destructive thoughts. But, it's in these dark times that we are truly tested. It's now when we must make our most firm stand against the storm of life and prove our worth to not only ourselves, but those around us. What has happened in our pasts' cannot be changed, all that we CAN do is learn from what has happened and put that knowledge to use in our futures. It isn't where you come from, it's where you're going. To often we catch ourselves looking back or looking at ourselves how society sees us. We examine ourselves using the standards of others, turning ourselves into something we think others want us to be, rather then be what we want to be. Before we know it, we don't even recognize ourselves in the mirror.

But, what gets us through these times, what causes us to endure is the love that we hold in the relationships around us. Be it in family, friends, or a significant other. The support we get from others is what fuels the fire within us. So, look within yourself and find that fire, once you've found it, turn to those you love and love you and cling to them, have them stand with you during this dark time. Do this, and that fire within you shall fan into a fire which will banish the darkness you've encountered.

Know and believe yourself, for the only person you have to truly answer to at the end of the day is yourself. Build upon the relationships you have now, create a firm foundation to stand upon should these dark times return. Turn off your computer, put down the video games, discover yourself. Become interesting! Become who you want to be, and not what others say you should be. Move forward, never backward. Face your problems today, not tomorrow. Stand strong against the storm of life, and NEVER EVER abandon hope. For there is NO SUCH THING as a hopeless situation.

There's an answer to every question, and a solution to every problem, so long as we are willing to look for it.

Much Love, and may the Light watch over and be with each of you until we speak again.

StrongPawz