Dear Life,

We have known each other ever since the day I was able to break through and win the battle between becoming a somebody or becoming a nobody. Ever since I took my first breath of air into the world, I have been able to use the senses that I had been gifted with. Being able to taste the most amazing hamburgers, to smell the fragrant aroma that pertains to flowers, to hear the cords of an acoustic guitar creating music, to feel the soft, warm embrace of a mother, and to gaze upon the little ladybugs that appear with their red and black backs to the tallest of skyscrapers — there is no end to the wonders I have experienced! In a sense, I feel a debt of gratitude to you for making all of this happen.

However, there are those moments when I cannot stand you. Sometimes, I wonder if you are here to help me or hurt me. From what others tell me, I hear rumors about how you are an awful individual and that you are hanging out with me only to control how I think, as well as act.

Even though this is what I have been told, I do not believe them.

Yes, I may have had those times when I have gotten frustrated with you, but it is what it is. You have given me the ability to be open about what I like and dislike, to be confident about myself even if I don’t fully acknowledge it, and to be the best "me" I can be. I think that you are a humongous part of me — the cheese to my crackers, the peanut butter to my strawberry jelly, the reflection to my identity. You bring out the best in me, as well as the possible worst, and no matter what, you have always stuck with me through the years, whether my decisions are wise or not.

People may never understand why I still choose to hang out with you, but I absolutely do not regret this choice I have made. With you, I know that I will never be alone. With you, I know that I will always have someone to talk to. With you, I know that we will have our fair share of struggles. But let’s face it — there is no such thing as perfect!

Love,