It was a rainy Christmas

It was a rainy Christmas Day in Southern California. The first rainy Christmas in over 20 years, they said.

I've noticed that since I started blogging, I don't really blog too much about my own emotions anymore. If anything, I feel like my blog has turned into a journal of the day's events, and less about how I really feel about things. Maybe I've mellowed out, and re-examined my life and realized that what used to be so important to me isn't anymore, and I realize that the goal of just being happy is harder than it seems.

For one thing, how does one become happy? What goes into making a happy person?

It was a problem I struggled with for a long time. I wasn't happy. I wasn't happy with myself or the situations that I had gotten into. I felt like I wasn't in control of my own destiny, but rather I was a passenger, and someone else was driving my life. The problem was, I had settled into a routine. I don't mind routines, but this routine was unhealthy because I was pretty set in my ways and didn't want to change it. I guess when 9-11 happened, something snapped within me and made me realize... life is short and life is precious, and even if I do believe in reincarnation, I need to make the most out of this life, and improve what I can. 6 months later, I'm hit by a car as I'm crossing the street, another gentle reminder of just how quick something can happen to change life. After that, I think I changed my philosophy on life to "Don't regret. Enjoy the moment for what it is. Forgive and forget. Life is important and special. Everyone makes mistakes. Be able to have faith and trust in other people."

Just taking these things to heart and making every attempt to apply them in life is a challenge, but they've helped me realize just how important some things in life are. People and the moments you share with them are irreplaceable. Family. Friends.

Don't let life just pass by. Live life and dream.