Please forgive me for I have sinned, it has been 10 days since my last confession ...

Ok ... so it has really been no secret that I have been having a pretty craptacular time lately. This is for a number of reasons that I wont get into or publish on the internet. But today was better... and in being so I came to some conclusions about things that I feel the need to share.
I spent last night with a good friend of mine. He is just coming out of a 3 year relationship and so we decided to comisserate together for awhile. After our mutual cry and half a tub of chocolate banana brownie ice cream he decided to go get some sleep. He stood up to leave and gave me a hug. We just stood there for about 20 minutes wraped in eachothers arms. Sometimes all it takes is a hug to put it all in perspective.
So, First piece of newly acquired wisdom: Hug at least one person everyday.
Part of why I have been so bummed lately is because I inadvertantly did something really crappy to one of my friends. (Yes... it involved a guy... it usually does) and today I sat down with her and fessed up to everything. Not only did it feel good not to have to deal with the guilt anymore but I was so impressed by her reaction.
Second lesson: NEVER underestimate your friends or their ability to forgive your dumbass mistakes.
Third Lesson: There will ALWAYS be another guy and the first is rarely a mountain worth dying on.
After that I needed some time to think so I got dressed and went for a walk down whyte to the Cup. On my way I passed a young kid I used to work with at the Co op. I walked into the cup and took the 5$ I got in change back out with me. As I walked past I stuck out my hand and he reached out to shake it. I slipped him the 5 without saying anything. We just looked at eachother and he whispered "Thank you" as I moved by. It felt really good to do something for someone else.
Fourth nugget of wisdom: Always make time for and recognize that there are less fortunate people in the world. Karma is as karma does.
Fifth lesson: The 5$ coffee will never be even remotely as important as the smile on that kids face.
Everything changed after that. I dont know if it was my perspective or if something in the universe clicked and all the pieces fell into place, but I was able to go out and spend some time with great friends around a bon fire and feel free for the first time in a long time. I actualy laughed. For people who havent seen me lately, this is a big deal.
Sixth, and final note of knowledge: Tommorow is always a new day and as my good friend mike would say, "The world is a big place, don't let a little bit of it ruin your life."
I dont believe in regret. I believe that these are the times that we really know that we are alive and if we are smart enough to learn from them then we are better people for it.
That is all for now.
~V
Oh ... and always take time to:
1) wish on a star
2) blow bubbles
3) smile at people you dont know