.*.Together.*.

When I'm alone, I feel fine.  I am my own company.  I can sit and think about so many things so that I never grow bored.  I can amuse myself easily.  But being around others can be just as wonderful to me.

With my mom, I can be honest, and laugh and complain (oops) and talk to her about things I talk about with no one else.

With my dad, I can have these amazing, complex conversations about the most random things, like politics, sunsets, or weedkiller (ha!).

With my brother, we make up silly little jokes and talk about funny old memories, like the time we decided to cut eachother's hair when we were only in kindergarten, or the time we spent a whole day trying to fix a closet door so that we wouldn't get in trouble (hehe).

With my friends, I feel so at peace.  They make me laugh hard and smile so much that my cheeks hurt, but it's worth it for how happy they make me.  We remember inside jokes, quote random things, and share deep thoughts :).

With my family all together, we build each other up and do fun little things.  We all go outside and plant flowers together.  We take ridiculous pictures.  We give each other gifts and cook meals together.  We take walks every week, the four of us, together.

With someone I've just met or don't know very well, I also have a good time getting to know them.  I ask them about their likes or dislikes, and find things we have in common.  That one little smile we exchange can start a whole new friendship.

With anyone, anywhere, I can enjoy myself so much.  No one is perfect, especially not me, but I like to see our imperfection as what makes us unique, and not boring.  It would be so boring if everyone was perfect.  Having flaws gives you something you can work towards improving, and that can be fun.  You can feel accomplished, and proud of yourself, and a little bit stronger.

Embrace your strengths, find the beauty in others, and try your best to be happy no matter who you're with, because sometimes, all we need in life, is to have a little fun, together.

 :¨·.·¨:
  `· B E C C A

.*.Comfort.*.

We've all had our troubles
Our painful struggles
That haunt us from time to time
But some have it worse,
And experience pain,
So much pain,
That the others
Just don't understand.
How to help them?
These weary people
Who've gone through so much
Every day is a challenge
When you fear and ache the minute you wake.
I know people
Who have felt great pain
And the suffering may never end
So what do I do?
What to do
Running in circles,
Clutching my head
Every tear they shed,
Every sad word they utter
It breaks my heart
Deep inside.
To them I can't show it
Can't let them know it.
That I just don't know what to do.
Knowing they are suffering deep inside
I can't help them
I feel so useless
Wanting to bring them the happiness
I know so well
But how?
How?
What do you do
When you know so little
About how to comfort someone
How to make them happy
How to take away their pain,
And give them something nice for a change.

:¨·.·¨:
  `· B E C C A

.*.Dance.*.

Five, six, seven-eight.  I draw in a breath.  Starts with a breath, ends with a breath.  The lights are all off.  The gentle, yet powerful music begins to play.  I lift my leg and step forward to the subtle beats of the song.  I pay attention to the slightest movements of my shoulders and chest as I focus my strength on my legs.  I leap and spin across the wood floors of the dance studio.  I keep my eyes forward so as not to lose my balance as I spin from one leg to another.  Turn, turn.  Another breath, leap.  Put my weight on my right leg, kick up my left, point my toes.  Lengthen my arms, extend my fingers.  Close my eyes.  I spin and spin.  I'm in another world now.  I can't hear the music anymore.  I can only hear my breathing, barely controlled as I gain momentum, gliding across the floor.  My heart pounds, my pulse in my ears.  Muscles tighten and release with every movement.  Feel the strength.  Don't forget to breathe.  Roll my shoulders back, toes curled in.  Straighten my legs.  Step, step.  The air glides over my skin in quick currents as I move.  Keep my balance, focus.  No room for mistakes.  Right, left.  Lift, land.  Spin again.  Slow down.  Right leg out, gently, then crossed.  Extend my arms, spread my fingers, close my eyes into the final pose.  The music, now only forgotten noise in the background, tinkles to an end.  I stand unmoving in the final pose for several more seconds as I am surrounded by a growing silence.  I hear my pulse slow down.  I feel my muscles relax.  I catch my breath and stare at my reflection.  After a few more seconds, I release.  My arms fall slowly to my sides.  My legs uncross.  I stand in the silence.  I feel strong, empowered by the dance.  Right before I quietly exit the room, I take one last deep breath.  Starts with a breath, ends with a breath.

:¨·.·¨:
  `· B E C C A