I break bones and laugh.

And that's life.

I pay attention to the songs I hear on the radio while I'm on trips, particularly if I hear songs repeatedly and they're not the latest radio hits. If I hear a song over and over again and it came out a few years (or a few decades) ago, I tend to think that someone's trying to tell me something. Like, I know I've made a big deal about hearing a certain Bob Dylan cover at shows. What does it mean?! Lately, I've been listening to CDs of shows and it occurred to me that there's another song I hear even more than that one. In fact, I've heard it twice as much. And that song is "Blackbird," the Beatles song. To me, that's pretty significant. If I were an ubergeek (and I am, obviously), I could check my setlist statistics and see that it is the third most-played song at shows I've gone to. Actually, the first two songs are usually played together, one into the other, so "Blackbird" could count as the second most-played. So what does all this mean?

Well, take a look at the lyrics. "Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise."

Three years ago, I pulled myself out of a horrible depression and an even worse relationship. I started telling myself that good things would happen to me, if only I would reach out and get them. And they did. I remind myself every day that I have a choice. I can walk this world or I can learn to fly.

I feel like a dork writing this. I know that some people have said in their journals that they feel bad about writing about "bad" feelings. I feel the opposite. I feel like when people read my journal, they roll their eyes and think, That's easy for her to say. Well, it is and it isn't. I still feel bad sometimes. However, I spent enough time feeling bad. I'm not going to do it again.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't feel bad because you feel bad. But don't sink into it, either. Don't let it become a home. It's easier said than done--I know from experience. But it can be done.

I know that from experience, too. Last year, I had a year of amazing moments. This year, I hope the same happens for all of you.

And if you're still rolling your eyes, well...whatever. I don't really get why you read this, except you know what "they" say. Every cynic's a closet romantic.

Nothing's going to change my world.