Well, hi everyone. I haven't blogged in forever. I'm sort of ticked at myself, because I really wanted to stick with it. I'll try to get back on top of it. Still need to finish my trip updating, college babble, and health stuff. I guess I've sort of had a lot on my mind lately.
College has been great. Really great. Scholar's is tough. I mean they really go hard. No playing around. But I absolutely love it. I have made friendships that I know will be lifelong. I had another kidney stone issue a couple of weeks ago that resulted in some ER visits, but all is well now. I'll have to tell the story of that later, because my pain-induced antics were pretty hilarious. I went today for a CT scan of my kidneys and have an appointment tomorrow to talk with my doctor. They told me when I was at the hospital that my swelling on my right kidney has gone down some. Yay! Now we just have to figure out why there is still some swelling I guess. It's weird. I used to be terrified of needles and whatnot. Now I'm like "hit me!". Ha, that's probably not a good thing!
So my soapbox:
I have been witnessing so much turmoil. I know that it's everywhere. It's not new or anything. I just hate it. I hate being involved with it, and I hate seeing people in the middle of it. But this is my call to my friends, strangers, and people of the world: Be upfront. Don't waste time listening to what others say. If you have a question for someone, or a problem... Talk to THEM. Talking to your friends and everyone else solves nothing. It only makes you just as guilty. And hey, I will be the first to admit that I have done that a whole lot. I have heard "something that someone said" and blabbered and babbled about it with all of my friends, and it was never even true to begin with. And what good did that do for me? Nothing. I believe there is a difference between discussing a problem you have with someone with a close friend or confidante and having a bashing session with your friends. Don't assume and don't accuse. I'm not only saying this to everyone, but I am also telling myself this. I have to constantly tell myself to watch my tongue.
Also, we should learn to forgive. Is it not true that the people we care for and love the most will hurt us the most? It happens. Friends are going to screw up royally sometimes. You know who else will screw up royally? Me and you. We are going to need forgiveness, too. That's not to say you have to be bestestest friends with someone who has wronged you. Things take time, and they may never be the same again. But why sit around re-hashing all the bad things? Be upfront! And then try your absolute best to work it out and forgive. I have some friends that have troubles with certain things. I know without fail, they are going to make the same mistake twice, and maybe even again. Sometimes they might even hurt me. But it is going to take a lot for me to truly relinquish the friendship. I can think of maybe two or three people I have had to do that with. Even still though, those people are forgiven and they have forgiven me. We are peaceful.
Always remember there is a side to every story. I have learned to look beyond the "bad" thing that someone has done and consider WHY they are doing it. You can learn a lot about your friends and other people that way. You may never know the deeper underlying problems someone struggles with, no matter how close you are. You can even help them through it, or try at least. And you know what, it may not work. But before you just denounce a friend, think: "Have I really given it my all? Have I done more bashing behind their back than talking to them about it face to face?" Be honest with yourself, even if they can't.
Like I said, I'm not trying to be a saint. I'm not. I am guilty of it. Bad. Bad guilty. I'm trying to be so much more conscientious about it. I see it between friends at home, friends at school in Natchitoches, between strangers. It's everywhere. It's going to be inevitable sometimes. But rise above it. There are two sides to every story. The one who commits the wrong-doing and the wronged both have something to say. It's not about picking sides. It's about being true friends. You are no better than they are. And they are no better than you. We are all sinners here in one way or another. Don't condemn. It's not us that should.
I just love you all. I love all of my friends and it hurts to see them fight. Everyone just take a step back and look at it.
Soapbox over.
Love to all.
I'll try to update this more.
