...everything around is messed up?
Today a co-worked who is a really close friend of mine told me that I have changed that I used to be happier more humble. Always playing around and making jokes. However, nowadays I'm become more serious, sometimes i don't even talk to them when they are joking and everything. Sometimes I'm so focus in what I'm doing that I don't even hear when they call me to tell me something a funny or to joke around.
They don't see how many things are going on in my head now college, work, several debts which are not too big, but they are still burden because i hate owing money.
However, I feel the need to be what I am and not let all this stress change who I am. I always try to be emotionally available for people who need me. But at the same time i need to keep something to maintain my own balance.

So guys and girls what do u think?
how can we keep a bright smile when we are surraunded by darkness?

you pretend the sun is out and hope to god nobody else notices your lying............i realy don't know when you figure it out tell me please......

I actually don't know how to do it.
But I try really hard everyday.

I hear ya Walker. I know exactly what you mean. Stress and me walk hand and hand and I think that's why I am able to smile. Instead of fighting it, I embrace it, accept it. What else is there to do? I hear alot of my customers where I work say how happy I always seem and that's proof it works. Don't get me wrong thought, I do have my days. But you see, I have a baby angel in heaven I need to make proud of me. That is my inspiration. Maybe that's what you need? I hope things work out for you. Good Luck!!!

Ahhhhh Miguel....you are being you...you are being another facet of you...a slightly different shade, is all.

How to keep a bright smile, when all around is darkness?

And who will you be kidding...... yourself?

You and I know that is not possible, dear brother, to 'pretend'...it feels wrong, it doesn't sit well..and those that know us, can smell it a mile away.

What would you tell me to do??? How would you hold me, and support me, if I asked that question of you Miguel?

I think you know the answer...

Sometimes it is hard to keep a positive attitude when your mind is all over the place. When that happens to me, I know I need a break. I try and get into nature...go to a park...to the beach. I need to get away and relax, that usually helps me have a better attitude about things...a more calmer place to be.

i'm able to joke around even when it seems the darkest but i often get caught up in what is going on and stay to myself too.
you don't want to let it drag you down but i don't personally see a problem with not always being happy. as long as you still respect others feelings and opinions you could be doing much worse. good luck to you.

Just look toward the light, if you know what I mean. I have the same problem. I just tell myself over and over that it has to get better, and I trust that the lord will see me through. Everything for a reason my friend. I smile because I know that it can't last forever.

Jess you are just an angel.
I love you so much.

yeah. kingbreeze is right. everyone has problems. nothing wrong with not being happy. your friends should be empathetic.

I keep in mind that I can only do what I can do...and the rest will still be their tomorrow. It's very important to focus on the positive things in your life and take enjoyment where you can. A beautiful sunrise, children, good friends, BEER! LOL...Sometimes just trying to be happy makes me happy...

The way I see it Miguel, you have light within, regardless of the darkness around you. sometimes you just do what you need to... in order to make sure that that light of yours is taken care of. You are already good at that

Hey Lonely,
First thing you do is change your screen name. Just because you may be alone dosen't mean you have to be lonely.
Try not to worry about the things you can't change right now
and focus on the things that make you happy. Watch as much comedy as you can so you can laugh more, which will automatically brighten up your life, even if it's only for a moment.

As I do you, Miguel..

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

This helps me to keep a smile on my face
No worries, life is to short.....

Lonely,Dont sweat the small stuff.Be who you are and try to be as happy as you can be.
Angel has a good point though..there is a difference in being lonely and being alone.
New screen name=NOT so lonely walker?
Cheer up.seems you have many many friends here who are on your side.

I agree with Jess.... we know anyway Miguel

Allow yourself to be ... to 'be' to 'feel' wherever you are ... not in an indulgent way just authentic...

That said, sometimes I just have to fake it until I can make it ... my friends always sense the difference though. I could never fool you....or that sonic radar girl Jess

Those of us who love you ... hold you in sweet embrace and accept you however you are ... wherever you are...

Just be you Miguel...that is who we love.

Hey LW, whenever I am feeling down, I just think about
THREE things,,,,,,
IM ALIVE

IM WELL

AND IM GONNA FREAKIN "LIVE"


Smile and give the impression to anyone you might meet, BIG SMILE,,,AND HAPPY VOICE, DAMM ITS A GREAT DAY TO LIVE!!!!


This works for me man....

The question is do you feel that you have changed? We all go through changes. Some major, and others trivial....and some so small, yet slowly accumulate.

You ask how can we smile while surrounded by darkness...

Nobody is perfect...no one smiles every hour of the day.

We need the dark to understand the light. We need quiet reflection to ourselves, then we need social "light hearted" moments.

Our lives have many stages or seasons. Perhaps this stage of "darkness" is your souls winter or dormrant period.

As every season...this too shall pass (when you are ready for it to)

{{{Miguel}}}

We all adore you...all of you. The happy joking Miguel and the quiet introspective Miguel.

So many have said what I would say.

Please don't let this person get you down. We can find SheNerd and her monkey and sic Bubbles on them?

More hugs, M