"Everything happens for a reason." This is one of the most cliche quotes of all time. However, I think it has the right to be overused since it is such a profound concept. I am constantly pondering about this specific saying. DOES everything happen for a reason? If that certain situation hadn't happened, WOULD my life be different? Would it be WORSE? Would it be BETTER? Why does fate have to be such a tricky thing to figure out? Does one specific event set off a chain reaction that changes our fate altogether, or is our fate already determined from the very beginning? I believe this is where faith comes in. Because honestly, NOBODY knows. Except for God. We just need to trust that God will lead us down the right path in life and hold our hand all the way. And even if we reach a fork in the road or have an accidental change of direction, he will help to reroute us to where we have to go. I believe that yes, everything DOES happen for a reason, but those reasons are for God to know, and for God to know only.

Yesterday Mrs. Sullivan told us a story that taught me that I control who I allow to be in my "writing room." I had never really thought about this before, and i realized that a lot of of times, I let the wrong people influence me and be around me for all the wrong reasons. I have the power to choose what individuals I want to be in my life, and I have the power to choose those who i don't want. This is important because it helps me to see who my true friends are and who is most important to me.

Last week or so, Mrs. Sullivan mentioned someone whose New Years resolution was trying to fulfill more of their "shoulds." This means that if you think, "Oh, I SHOULD study for that test," or "I SHOULD help that woman with her shopping cart" then you do it. Almost subconsciously, ever since then I have been doing a lot more "shoulds." I honestly believe that this has made me a better and happier person. I go with what my conscience tells me to do, and I feel good about myself. It's actually quite rewarding to know that you chose to do the right thing, even if it's not in your favor.