Journal Entry Date: 02/16/2025

              Thank you to the miserable who love company. You are the opposite. Thank you for reminding me to do nice things for others and spread joy. When you try to bring me down, then I will bounce back and smile. The only one who can bring me down is me, and I am going to be my best friend.  When you try to prove that you can mess with me, then I will recognize your efforts and say, “Good game”. I am going to carry on as I am, as I have no beef with you. Instead of giving you the reaction you want I will walk away. It is not worth accepting your invitation. I will look for the silver lining (the lesson to be learned) and keep moving forward. Instead of seeking vengeance I will proceed on my path. The Stoic Marcus Aurelius said, “the impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”. I take this to mean that obstacles are meant to be learned from that instead of blocking the path they become the thing that keeps one moving forward. For example, if one attempts to make me have a bad day, then I will only become more determined to have a good day. What is a reason to frown only becomes more of a reason to smile. What adversities one faces only makes one stronger and more determined. This is the very essence of the saying “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”. In this light it is those who spread misery who become the very reason to spread love and joy. To those who read this: I hope you find it a reason to love yourself in your darkest days. Remember that in the depths of the abyss is where we can shine the brightest. Keep pushing forward.

Love,

Vinny