"I feel that a genuine, affectionate smile is very important in our day-to-day lives. How one creates that smile largely depends on one's own attitude. It is illogical to expect smiles from others if one does not smile oneself. Therefore, one can see that many things depend on one's own behaviour."
--Dalai Lama

"I am bigger than anything that can happen to me. All these things, sorrow, misfortune, and suffering, are outside my door. I am in the house and I have the key.
"--Charles Fletcher Lummis

 Black frosting glazed the path I was walking, the blood was pouring into my shoes from the blisters that had formed on my ankles. The walk had been long so far, but I realized that the distance was much further than I had originally anticipated. It was cold, and my breaths lingered in wisps and curls in the night air. It was surreal, the quiet was, after all the moments of chaos and white-noise my life had become. I was calm, the silence and the loneliness had washed over me. I couldn't feel the pain of the abrasions and scuffs caused by my ill-fitting shoes anymore, all I felt was contented. I wish I could feel that way again, that feeling of soft, warm, comforting finger tips whispering on the inside of my chest. I felt so temperate, I felt I was one with my body and with my thoughts, I felt humbled. I guess there always was a part of me that said to write fictional works, but I had blurred the lines between fact and fiction, I had lost sense of reality on my walk. I had become a different person on my way.

"When you're walking down the street smiling a big huge smile for no real reason, and you pass by someone who then takes that smile and makes it their own"

Submitted by Lauren via Facebook

This submission was sent to me by a very close friend of mine. My friend Jesse's old man has realized he desires more in his life, and it is often, in our realization that we can always achieve more! -- Cheering up and encouraging your pops is WMLSB

The truth is always honest, even if it makes you sad. 

"When you’re listening to a song and it manages to describe exactly how you feel at that moment in time. That's what makes life so beautiful, that, and just music in general ♥"

Submitted by Nia Lynn via Facebook

The moments that make you realize that you have the love that they write stories about. MLSB

Getting goosebumps as you listen to a story or watch a movie

Waves of light falling over the greenest of hills

Wiredrawn maroon and darkened skylines

"Laughter makes life beautiful"

Submitted by Samantha via Facebook

Receiving letters from loved ones

"Classical Music"

Submitted by Josh via Facebook

The smell of the forest

Growing a plant from seed

Sexuality, Desires, Passion and Orgasms

I can marry my best friend

My bestfriend found this video randomly and we both realized that it says everything that makes life so beautiful, please take the time to watch it, I think it has a really good message!

http://www.wimp.com/smallpleasures/#

"Life is beautiful because you never know what tomorrow brings."

Submitted by Christy via Facebook

"Being in love with a hopeless romantic 
like me"
Submitted by Jesse via Facebook

"there is hope and faith in our 
childrens' eyes!" 
Submitted by Lynne via Facebook

"Life is beautiful because there is always tomorrow" 
Submitted by Katie S. via Facebook

"It is filled with such beautifully wonderful people" 
Submitted by Meagan B. via Facebook

"Life is beautiful because it isn't always beautiful." 
Submitted by Trevor via Facebook

":____________________
(just listen)" 
Submitted by Darryl Brocklehurst in person

Your Mission:

I've been asking myself the question, What makes life so beautiful? And I can't help but think that lately, it's all in perspective and luck. What make's life so beautiful? It's all up to chance. Taking the time to be happy in your own company, go into the outdoors, plan microdates, watch movies with the ones you love. Being in love, having animals, being inspired. Life's all about the little things, the culmination of our choices, a ways down the path, it's either we gingerly walk the path, not rush nor be afraid to step. Life is beautiful, admire what you have. 

Your mission:
Make 3 strangers smile.
Be creative and let me know how you did!

"simply because. How unlikely it is that all this is here. And even more unlikely that we are here to perceive it and feel happiness from it. In all probability we shouldn't be here. but we are" 

Submitted by Xtopher W. via Facebook

"Because of all the friends we meet and keep" 
Submitted by Jacob via Facebook

"nothing stays the same"
Submitted by Tiffany B. via Facebook

"The friendship we find in animals"
Submitted by Ashley B. via Facebook

Because of close friends that make us realize the joy in companionship

“having the patio doors open and listening to soft rain ... it's very soothing.”

Submitted by June via Facebook

“my furry, scaley, slimey and epidermis armoured family”

Submitted by Jesse via Facebook

“To be cliche I love to walk rain or shine because it gives you a sense of freedom.. You can appreciate nature and life that little bit more”

Submitted by Sharnell via Facebook

“Sunsets/Sunrises”

Submitted by Cedric via Facebook

“gentle breezes”

Submitted by June via Facebook

The fact that when we are together we become inspired.

The nights where the twilight seems to last forever, the mist clings to the little particles of dust on the cars, in that moment you see the true power of moonlight as a seductress.

"Life gave me the chance to become sober, respect my life and the chance to become a mother. Nothing is more beautiful than waking up everyday to see my handsome son and my soon to be husband. Life showed me that it can be beautiful if you are  willing to stick around and see that it is"
Submitted by Ashley via Facebook

The feeling of the sun as it drapes across your face and chest.

“Boobies :D”

Submitted by Blain via Facebook

“The moments when the house is clean, the bills are paid, the kids are sleeping peacefully and I get reminded of just 

how lucky I am.”

Submitted by Lauren via Facebook

“The fact that even if you regret something, make a big mistake, hurt someone or yourself, in time, it will pass. The hurt will go away, the mistake will become accepted, you will change, learn from it, and you will move on. 

Even if I feel like the day couldn't get any worse the hope and faith that tomorrow will be better is what makes life so beautiful.”

Submitted by Christy via Facebook

Collecting pebbles as we walk along the beach

"...Somewhere, someone (whether you have them in your life now or not) thought you were special enough to share their love with you which in my eyes - is worth living for."

Submitted by Ally via Facebook

"I Have a Home, Water, food and free will, I can walk into Nature whenever I please and be alone with my thoughts"


Submitted by Sharnell via Facebook 

"The experience of unexpected change that makes life worth living."


Submitted by Kassy via Facebook

"Because somewhere, mermaids exist"


Submitted by Jesse via Facebook

"The love we have for ourselves" 

Submitted by Jesse via Facebook

"The love we have for our Children"

Submitted by Kassy via Facebook

The moment where depression allows you to relive creativity

Clarity is not the proponent of thought

One of the best things about summer are the sunrises, the nights you stay up so late, the sun creeps up on you. Tomorrow is a new day, a new beautiful day filled with opportunity.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

That Feeling

There is nothing better than the feeling of being proud of yourself, today I feel like I've finally gotten this blog where I want to see it. I feel like it's about time for me to start writing on this blog more and remain more ambitious in the content I provide for you as my readers. My intention is to eventually ask people in the street or on the bus, what is it that makes life so beautiful, and let you in on what others see in this world. I want this blog, in time, to be a place where people can come to smile. 

"I Love You More on Misty Shorelines"

Skin is the threshhold between life, and death. A boundry not usually fatal in its event. The belief that you have the power is terrifying, and humbling. We are humans and we all have the same strength, which we have evolved over time, and that is the strength of understanding. Please end the wars. War stop being so indifferent of the word, war. The slaughter of the dismantled understanding between humans.

Life is a Constant Battle

Sometimes I wonder how I get by... Sometimes I wonder how I've made it this far and how I somehow achieved so much. And sometimes, in a glimpse of my true potential I realize I did it all by myself, and that I CAN keep achieving, I don't have to change for other people, for the sake of readers, or the sake of someones needless high appraisal, I have to live for myself or else I'll never enjoy the journey. I have to take the time for myself to just sit down and think, the moments I spend thinking are truly inspirational. Hope you guys have a good day/night, I'm off to bed it's 1:43 here in Canada!

I love you guys! And Remember there is no harm in asking for help, and doing so can make all the difference. xoxo

"It's hard to choose who to keep around,

 and who to let go"

Why don't we vote for ideas instead of people? 

Beautiful picture borrowed from treehugger.com

Recently I've noticed that people are attempting to rip down any form of governing body official. It seems as though no matter what is done in the government, and conversely what is not done, does not have the effect on the need to criticize the public assembly leaders. Now I am no way an expert in political philosophy nor am in any way affiliated with any governmental body, I did not vote, and I barely paid attention to the election campaigns.
        I think there may be a shift in what people are thinking leading a growing and unseen response for NDP PM Representative Jack Layton. We are seeing countless struggles all over the world with people in Libya, Egypt etc. that are attempting to change their governing, or controlling body.
I am not one to be caged, in fact I hope for utter freedom, however not negating the moral language of the Canadian people. I see murder, death and destruction as humans attempt to hold land fighting not only mother nature, but ourselves.
         It seems that we are in a state of distrust with our governmental bodies, frustrations for the needs that aren't met, we are disappointed when the wrong choices are made in our name. Where this all leads is purely up to the future generations, to divulge with ill-nature of war and chaos, to rebuild a sense of respect and moral code for our public leaders and officials and return the idea of killing in wars from praiseworthy to sad and unfortunate, perhaps unnecessary.
            If perhaps we could all agree on a moral rule over the world, an idea centered on the Hobbesian idea of self preservation. A blank piece of paper always says more than words written. To remove written all laws once we are sure that all people are over their (Prepare for Nietzsche's bias) guilt and frustration caused by society today, and teach all people of brothern and refuge in what it means to be human. I know that this will never come as religion and greed hold prevalence in public assembly. There is no openness for change and communal safety with bias and self indoctrinated unbudging closed-handedness.

"There is only Twilight in space"
Darryl N. Brocklehurst

           Finding time to blog in an otherwise rushed morning always makes me happy. If you haven't noticed I haven't been keeping up with the blog for the past few days because I've been out of town. I have to say that I am so honoured to be part of Darryl's family. Everyone with their own quirks and amazing sense of humour, it's a perfect family for us to raise a family with. The more I get to know his family the more I seem to like them all, they are opinionated, honest and sometimes abrasive, but if there is anything I am it's those things, and I really respect that in people.
          I finished my Winter Semester here at Nipissing University (Where I am currently sitting in the library) on April 19th and have been on "vacation" ever since. Darryl and I spent a few days at his parents house, his birthday was On April 30th so it was perfect timing for us to both be able to go home and enjoy some of that country air. His parents live on a large property, with a house they had built, which is beautiful to say the least, they also have a nice NEW barn for their 4 horses which hopefully they will finish sometimes in the next few years/months. They are a very welcoming family, never questioning or prodding but always seem to be able to make a quick witty jab if they think you are tough enough for it, which hilariously enough at first bothered me but now it is my favourite part of being there.
         We had a great time, I met nearly all of his immediate family at this point which is always nice, when you can place a face to a name. Ricky, their German Shepherd pup has grown into a beautiful dog, but it showed me how long it's been since I had visited, last I was there the puppy was just a little teether, gnawing on my fingers, now she is a tall beautiful dog who stands as tall as my hip. And their dog Navi is still as active and cuddly as ever.
        Everyone in the family seemed to be in good spirits, while we partied the night away, while we watched Nascar, ate cake, watched hockey and just hung out eating some amazing meals prepared by Darryl's mom Donna.
        We were on our way home Sunday afternoon and our car broke down, busting a hose off the radiator, and who knew that a dime could save your life, apparently Noel, Darryl's dad did. What a smart and funny dude, coming to help us out as we sit at the side of the road laughing about how utterly silly the predicament we found ourselves in was.
       Jaime and I, Darryl's younger sister, who is the same age as I am, had our first moment in their Uncle Gary's basement, as her Dad did something that I had no other knowledge as to think was out of character. I looked at her wide eyed and she mimicked my face as we both broke out laughing. She's a funny girl, and we get along well, little did I know we both LOVED America's Next Top Model. Also we had a fun time doing crosswords each day as we connected words (No lie) like taint and Uranus together.
      Jamie's boyfriend Chad, who I can't stop calling Chad-oh, was a regular character making the weekend quiet fun and hilarious despite his embarrassing moments. Chad-oh was the trooper that night, I was in the clear after his escapades.

All in all I had an amazing time away from school and stress and as I sit here, less than an hour away of starting my (hopefully) last semester of University I feel like I'm in the right place, for once.

This Spring Semester I am taking a Women in the Bible Course with Dr. Adrian Langdon (A teacher I had previously for Peace and Nonviolence) as well as a teacher I've never had before Dr. Rene Valiquette with the course Women in Cinema. I don't usually take gender courses but it seems as though they are the only classes Nipissing seems to offer each summer.

Well Readers, in a typical Canadian fashion I am going to head downstairs for some Tim Hortons and cut our conversation short.

Just remember it is the small things in life that make the difference, and that's what makes life so beautiful.

Cecilia xox

Love - In it's Simplicity

Dear Meagan,

You are not only Beautiful(note capital B) but HILARIOUS. And I include you in the handful of people I'd marry. You are a perfect friend that's always there and won't judge me for how silly and ridiculous I am. I will always consider you my best friend from university and one of the most trust worthy people I know. I know deep down that everything will be alright for you because you are an amazingly magnetic person. Even when people look over at us and make judgy faces I know that no matter what you will always laugh at me when you see how hilarious THEY look. I respect the person you are and every ideal that you have. I love that a city girl like me and a country girl like you somehow when we hang out we have no differences. I am so appreciative of every time you have made me smile when I was feeling down and every time we laughed because we were so depressed, stressed and tired I knew that we would be okay because we were in it together. I don't think that we've known each other for more than a year and a half but I can guarantee that you know more about me than anyone else, and being able to say that is an honour, because lets face it, I'm awesome. But you help me everyday be that awesome. When I think about you I don't see everything that everyone else sees, I see an angel because you have truly saved me from myself at times. I know that if I ever need a laugh or someone to cry with that I should call you or ask if you wanted to go get candy at the bulk barn, or if we wanted to go to Value Village, mostly paying attention to the amazingly ridiculous clothes they have there. Meagan I can say with a straight face (which you know his hard for me) that you are one of the best people I've ever gotten to know. You are fragile, shy and bubbly and those are the things that I've always loved about you. You are my sunshine when it's POURING out and I have to go 65 dollars on a stupid North bay bus pass.

I've been wanting to write you this for a really long time but I can't seem to find enough time to tell you how truly amazing I think you are. I know that when I have kids they will be aunt meagan, and I know that even from a billion miles away I will always be able to listen for your loud laugh to find you. I hope that one day you find your perfect guy, although it'd be hard to find someone as amazing as you are, but I really do. I hope that you and I always notice the sunshine after the storm. I wish we could always try to take pictures on the beach trying to write in the sand as the waves poured in.

I'm really happy that you and I met and were forced into spending so much time together. You are my partner in crime and my dollar store comrade.

I know that this will only keep growing, much like this letter.
I know that sometimes you are depressed because you are not yet all that you know you can be, and because you've always been there for me, I always want to be the one cheering you on.

I love you. Thank you for being there in the moments I needed you.
Stay Strong. Just Breathe. Believe and be hopeful.

And you are part of what makes life so beautiful.

The Music in My Head

I've done this a few times in a word document and I thought it might be interesting to see what music I listen to 6 months from now.

A list of the Artists I've been listening to non-stop:

Adele
Blindside
Brokencyde
Bruno Mars
Cage the Elephant
Ellie Gouldring
Fiction Plane
Form One
Gym Class Heroes
Incubus
Jessie J.
Ke$ha
Katy Perry
LMFAO
Little Boots
MGMT
Mother Mother
N.E.R.D.
Rob Szabo
Shiny Toy Guns
Sublime
T.I.
Travie McCoy

What are you addicted to right now?
Let me know in the Comments <3 xox

The Key

I'm sick of talking about getting better it hurts to much. Depression the endless cycle, cycling, cycling. It sometimes can make you feel like you can't break from it's grasp. But I am opening my cage, I have the choice to get better and I have the choice to take what people say to heart. It's hard to push it all out of your mind, to push every little bit of judgement out. Some people don't know what words hurt, so I can't really blame them I'm just probably too sensitive for this world. I always need to be surrounded by loving and caring people, people who are honest about things that matter, not things that make me cry as I sit alone ruminating over ideas that just won't seem to go away. Here's my idea, lock all of my insecurities and pain up into a cage, and as I ram it shut with my hip I will have squeezed out all the things that I love about myself that will be what are always there for me.

I'd also like to say that I have been listening to some amazing music lately including Adele's new album, Jessie J and Cage the Elephants. They are really making the days go by easier. God Adele's beautiful, check it out.

Peace and Love
Cecilia

I love myself because

I'm the only person who understands my sense of humour
I'm the only person I can be completely be myself around
I'm the only person that know's everything about myself
I am a good person (most of the time)
I understand my intentions are usually good
I care a lot about people
I know my full potential

The Spark/The Cage

Most writers will understand me when I say that sometimes a moment, when all you want to do is write, is started with a spark. A spark ignited by some feeling, some necessity, to get things down on paper. It's been a long time since I've written not only on this blog but in general unless I was writing some random paper for school.
       There are so many enlightening moments I've been going through lately, and the sad thing is I don't know if it's because of the drugs or because I've begun looking at everything a little differently. I want to be able to say that everything is better now, that I don't cry and that I don't feel depressed and although in part this is true I can't help but feel I am shedding the parts of me that make me feel alive sometimes. In a sick and sad way I only feel alive when I am in the pain of depression, it's one of the only feelings I can rely on, the only one that has been constant and consistent. 
       I started taking drugs for my depression and anxiety, and it's weird but I feel like I've removed a very important part of myself, the place where my empathy comes from. But it's also helped me to relax and calm my anxiety, but don't think you can't do it without the medication, I just got to a point where I thought I couldn't survive anymore, nor did I want to...

I think I'm scared of being completely me.
(But I definitely don't know how to be anything different)


I used to be okay with being "me" being confident in all of my choices and that inevitably led me into a path of being scared to live, but I guess that was his fault and not mine... It's funny how that works.


I don't want to lead a life that is primed and sequestered. I never wanted to.


I want to cause that spark in people... That little bit of inspiration. Like I used to, like I used to cause in myself.


I'd have to be happy to that again, and somehow find a sense of satisfaction and reward.


It's time for me to let go, I'm sick of being the cage and the abused. Only I have the key, only I have the key.

The Spark

Most writers will understand me when I say that sometimes a moment when all you want to do is write, is started with a spark. A spark ignited by some feeling some necessity to get things down on paper. It's been a long time since I've written not only on this blog but in general unless I was writing some random paper for school.
       There are so many enlightening moments I've been going through lately, and the sad thing is I don't know if it's because of the drugs or because I've begun looking at everything a little differently. I want to be able to say that everything is better now, that I don't cry and that I don't feel depressed and although in part this is true I can't help but shed the parts of me that make me feel alive sometimes. In a sick and sad way I only feel when I am in the pain of depression, it's one of the only feelings I can rely on, the only one that has been constant and consistent. 
       I started taking drugs for my depression and anxiety, and it's weird but I feel like I've removed a very important part of myself, the place where my empathy comes from.

I think I'm scared of being completely me.
(But I definitely don't know how to be anything different)


I used to be okay with being "me" being confident in all of my choices and that inevitably led me into a path of being scared to live, but I guess that was his fault and not me.. It's funny how that works.


I don't want to lead a life that is primed and sequestered.


I want to cause that spark in people... That little bit of inspiration.


I'd have to be happy to that again, and somehow find a sense of satisfaction and reward.


It's time for me to let go, I'm sick of being the cage and the abused.

Trying to Get Better

Depression is often crippling, but they often say one cannot be fixed if it is not at the choice of their will. The idea of being a person so strong and unable to cope is what [was] bothering me lately. I went to the gym today, did some yoga when I got home, chose to meditate tonight as well. If I can control my body perhaps over time I can control my mind.

"The secret of zazen does not lie in the awareness of the inhalation or the exhalation.  It lies in the gap in between these breaths.  It lies when the breath is spontaneously suspended.  It is in this gap where the mysteries of the Universe are hidden."