about life. about people. about words. about why, how, and where. and about why not?
what's the big deal about a hand shake? why do we get so excited over "likes"? who ever told us that we had to live up to a certain standard in the first place?
because I'm sick of it. can we ditch the small talk, post more than the highlights, and stop comparing ourselves to others in every possible way. let's stop expecting the next season of life to be better than whatever season we are in right now. let's embrace each moment with as much vigor and optimism as my dog that stares at the squirrel that ran up that tree again. life is meant to be lived. lived in a way that suits YOU. not your neighbor, not your best friend, not even that suits your mom (necessarily).
if you aren't in love with your life - change something. God gives us beauty and blessings each and every day. so lift your gaze, see what He has in store, and take it all in with your soul wide open. that thing that has been weighing you down, drop it into God's hands, He promises to carry your burdens. what He has in store may be nothing like what you expected, but most likely more than anything you could have hoped for.
check your perspective often enough to see the shine in the rusty metal. and never forget that no one is as big of a part of your life as you (oh and God of course) so don't let their opinions steal your thunder or their success steal your happiness. when you surrender your life (your choices, how you live, and your heart's desires) to your creator, you become the best version of yourself - not the best version of someone else, but of yourself.
and that would be the grandest adventure of all.
now back to that handshake thing - don't get me wrong a firm handshake can mean many different things. "you've got the job" "you should probably fear your father-in-law" or maybe just "nice to meet you". but why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to make a good impression? I would much rather have someone laughing at their own joke the first time I see their face than them being anxious about what I thought of them as a person. I want an authentic smile, not a facade. I would appreciate an honest to goodness hug over a handshake any day. I don't care if it's "unprofessional" now we're back to that whole societal standards thing that I'm not a fan of. let's be compassionate; listen after you ask how somebody is doing and be the person you needed. let your smile change the world. I know that's an intimidating thought, being the spark for a greater movement, but do not fear. the Lord goes before you. He alone brings beauty from ashes. you can shake up the world, but the creator of the world is the only force great enough to change it. but be ready, because He might use you to do it.