i’ve heard a few times over about the painful memories that some people have when it comes to their ex’s. they lament about how tragic it is and they focus on the negative. they don’t understand why things have taken such a wretched turn and they believe the world will never be as good. these are the people who are still entrenched in the pains of loss. they remember all of the good, yet conveniently forget all of the bad.

and then people believe, particularly in long term relationships, that everything that they went through was a waste. a waste of time, a waste of energy, and a waste of effort. everything that they had done was for nothing.

i know this because i went through it.

i know that it doesn’t seem like much, but things do get better. everyone is so goal-focused these days, it’s a wonder anybody actually enjoys life for what it is. a large part of life is not about getting “it” right. it’s about the journey.

the journey of life is what builds our character and is what ultimately makes us who we are. we may have to fall and stumble a little bit here and there, sometimes we have to plunge deep into the abyss of depression. but when we emerge from the hardships that life has thrown at us, we come out stronger and more able to cope with whatever life throws at us.

many people lose sight of the journey. we get too caught up keeping up with the jones that we forget that we have our own paths to forge. it’s during the christmas season that i always remember that life is about the journey as i reflect about this past year and where i’ve come.

for those of you who find this time of the year painful for whatever reason, try to take comfort that you are not alone. there are those who have pained like you have, who have cried those same tears that you cry and they have persevered.

endless vigilance must be kept for the good. it’s out there waiting to be found.