Best Friends.

Laughter is like the sunrise; it brings a light to the dark and hope of a new beginning.

I've often been told that laughter is the best medicine.
And, I truly believe that it is. Laughter can change your day from something dull to something magical.

As someone who has faced many demons throughout my years, I've come to realize that the best thing to
do is surround yourself with people who truly love you -- those who will do anything to bring a light to your life
and stay around when it all goes dark.

I must say that I've been blessed with the friends that I've met and came across.
I've lost friendships throughout my struggles but the ones that I've held onto
have become even stronger and motivated me to push for my goals and achieve things
that I didn't think that I would ever be able to accomplish. Whether that is work related
or becoming open with my history -- the things that I've faced and still continue to face.

I don't ever like to call out names of people that have influenced my behaviors
as I'm always afraid that I'm going to miss someone that was key to my change but
I feel like this is one of those times that I want to call out people in my life. I'm not
doing this to just call out everyone in my life but a few individuals. If you are not
listed please do not feel like I haven't valued your input throughout my journey and that I still
don't continue to value it. This isn't a matter of whether YOU are important in my life because honestly
YOU are.

I'm not going to list my family here because that's a given and I let them know on a daily basis
that I both love and respect them. However, who I am going to list -- well, this is what I want to say to you.

THANK YOU.
from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have stood by me -- read my entries, came to me offering solace, given me advice or brought a smile to my face with a funny video or a silly joke. You have motivated me to continue to work on being more open with the people in my life and given me the courage to do so. You've shown me that not everyone is out to get everyone. There are people in this world that are truly there just to help you through life not there to destroy you. You've put up with my white girl sass, my "emo" days and never once have you failed me in my time of need. You are some of the most important people in my life and I love you to bits.

Brandon and Gabe for pushing me and always being there.
For consistently reading my entries and coming to me afterwards.
For showing me what a best friend really is about.
I honestly don't know what I would do without you two.