newspaper blown to the ground

a list of things I learned today:

1) Even people who seem incredibly dull, painfully emotionless, or wildly apathetic have feelings. It just takes the right topic to get them going. Don't assume that their lives are nothing like yours just because they don't always let their feelings make some noise. You might be surprised at your similarities.

2) Your actions affect others on a level that even they might not understand. People crave human attention. That's just the way it is. We all need a little love, even if it's just a simple hello or smile. Those tiny, seemingly insignificant gestures could really make a difference in someone's day.

3) People hate people who remind them of themselves. If you take a look at your "arch-nemesis's" personality, you might realize that they represent the things you hate about yourself. Insecurity fosters hostility.
 
4) HUGS ARE POWERFUL. A hand on the shoulder of an upset friend. A reassuring pat on the back. It all makes people feel better. It sends warm, cozy messages to their brain and tells them to calm down. They know that they are loved and appreciated and have people who support them and want them to be happy.

5) Our emotions are strongly affected by the emotions of others. If someone near us is happy, we will most likely smile too. If someone we are interacting with is crying, we feel for them and might tear up too. We empathize with each other and relate the pain of others to our own pain.

6)  It is good to share your feelings. Holding all the pain inside leads to anger or depression. You have to have an outlet for all your emotions. Whether that outlet is art, music, therapy, movies, or whatever it is that helps you release some stress, you should use that to keep yourself sane and healthy, and most importantly, HAPPY.

7) Sometimes you just need to let the past go. There are things that you can't hold on to forever. It's unhealthy and doesn't leave room for the positive things that are happening NOW. Be present and active in the moment instead of holding on to pain from your past. Life will be much easier that way.