Some words to live by

This was from Rachelle's journal. She kept a regular journal and would have the following in every journal and daily planner she had. Rachelle's sister, Jennifer, read this at her funeral, and it was also written in the thank you notes from the family. I don't know if Rachelle herself wrote this, or if she came across it at some point and thought it was great. Either way, they are great words and thoughts to live by and I wanted to share them all with you.

"Everything changes, but staying true to yourself is most important. Being good to others should always be a top priority or God WILL find a way to humble you. Learn from your mistakes, and also those of others... We don't have enough time to make the same ones twice. Cherish all of the small moments. Try not to spend too much time worrying about others - there is always going to be someone happier, healthier, and more successful than you, so be the best you can be, and in someone's eyes it will be perfect. Forgive - even when it hurts - forgive - because one day, too, you'll be in need of forgiveness. Life would be so much easier if we could simply say sorry to all of the people we've hurt and let down with them knowing how much we mean it, but instead it helps to be aware of our actions, and the feelings of others. New friendships are wonderful, and we can learn so much from every person we choose to let into our lives - but our long-lasting, childhood freindships are untouchable. Never give up on the ones you love, even when the work seems to be unbearalbe - every hardship brings you closer and will make you stronger - laughs create good memories, but tears seal the bonds. Always stay conscious, and remember that ever single action that we choose to make is going to affect someone in one way or another... so make it a good one. Trust is everything - so trust in yourself, trust in God's plan, and help others to know that they can trust you, too. The beauty of being strong is not knowing it until we've been tested beyond our limit, and in times we feel the weakest. Smile, even when it hurts too much and you might be surprised by how many others will smile back. Be a good listener - that's 90% of what freindships are made of because everyone needs and wants to be heard - and in the end, people don't necessarily remember what you say, but instead how you listened. Try with all of your strength to never pass judgement on others - the only one with the power to do that is God - and we never know what God has planned so keep an open and understanding mind and heart. Don't question the things that we can't understand - because you'll waste too much time not understanding it. And because everything changes, we have the power to change anything we choose at any given time - even at this very moment."