Joy- even in the Winter

It does not go well with me when I've been in Michigan too long, it seems. I lose perspective. I lose my temper. I lose any color my skin manages to pick up while I'm home. It's so... obnoxious to be 21 years old and still such a child in so many ways.

To not be able to put into words the feelings of my heart. To not be able to focus, even on things that are important for as long as I should. To hurt people I love accidentally. And to cry when I see the hurt in their eyes.

It's like the coldness of the winter world encroaches upon my soul, and ever so slowly, makes me as it is. It's despicable. It's horrendously painful. And it's so tiring.

I wish there were more things to blame on other people sometimes; however, your attitude is your choice, and absolutely you choose to let it be dictated by the actions or words of others.

You have a Joy that cannot be brushed away or removed or taken from you by anyone on earth. That should be our overriding quality then-- a joy which transcends understanding and situation and our own petty desires.