Don't regret anything you do. In the end it makes you who you are.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the people we surround ourselves with. It truly helps to shape the person we become. It's not a minuscule detail in our lives. It's huge. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without the people I have had in my life, good and bad.

The past few weeks I have had a lot of shit going on with my own family. I realize we've all been through many tough situations but, for the most part, we've made it through. My family isn't perfect, in fact we are far from it. Things haven't always been ideal in my life but without everything I've been through I wouldn't be....me. These past few weeks have been hard, especially since I am preparing for a trip across the country, by myself, for an unknown amount of time. My mom and sister have played an incredible role in helping form the woman I am today. Without them, who knows where I would be. My moms parents have also had an enormous part in my life, helping guide me towards the "right" paths. As many young people today can probably relate to, my dad hasn't always been around. That's not to say he hasn't impacted my life. He has. In bigger ways than he (or his family) probably knows. I haven't been nearly as close with them, and things lately have been....tough. But seeing how people in my own family can act sometimes well, it astounds me. And that's where this entire post started.

Everyone has to remember we all have our own history, shit we've been through that's greatly impacted our lives. We can't just look at one situation and think we have it all figured out. It's never so simple. I think it's also important to remember to pick wisely when you choose the people you keep closest in your life. It will have a greater impact than you may know. I've never been one to have friends just to have friends. And I never will be that kind of person. I want/need genuine people in my life. Honest. Caring. Loving people. I don't want to be surrounded by spiteful/hateful/close minded people. That only brings me down.

Surround yourself with people who make you laugh. People who truly care about your well being. people who want to see you succeed. People who would do anything for you and in turn you would do the same for them. Never. Ever. Settle for less than you deserve.