Finding out who you really are in life

Throughout my life I've always felt like I knew who I was. A person who loved life with a smile on his face, never looking back. As life rolls along we are presented with obstacles. And I truly believe that each obstacle we are presented with, is a test. A test that we can either fail, or pass with flying colors.

However, what's most important is that we don't ignore the test or act like it doesn't exist. There are no notes or study guides, nobody to tell us how to pass, and no ways of cheating. This test by far, is the biggest test you will ever take.

Bigger then your high school final, bigger then your college exams, or bigger than the presentation you must present at work for your big promotion. The test I'm talking about ladies and gentleman, is life.

Life is a constant battle, a constant struggle. Every person at some point, must find out who they really are and who they really want to be in life. Right now I'm dealing with this very test. I don't know who I really am. In fact, I feel like there is a hole inside of me that everyone can see through.

This is not a bad thing. Like I said before, it's life. However, to pass my test I feel like I must search myself and see if I can fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. I still have a lot of growing to do and I'm still confused about where I'm going, but I do know where I want to end up.

I want to continue being that person who always goes through life with a smile and no matter what happens, I will always see the goodness in people rather then the bad. Because the reality is, I am truly blessed and I have all of you to thank for it. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Matthew Powell ("The CP Optimist")

My Guardian Angel

Over this past month I’ve done a lot of thinking. I thought about where my life was going, if I was happy with myself, and wondering if I was moving in the right direction.

At first, I was very discontent. It seemed like everything was going wrong. My muscles were sore, my writing was far from good, and the girl who I thought was “the one” didn’t share the same feelings as I did.

For those who knew me, everything was on the up-and-up. I was still optimistic, I carried a smile on my face, and everything seemed to be flowing with ease. However, deep in the depths of my soul, I was screaming for someone to save me and it seemed like nobody was listening, or so I thought.

Somebody was listening, although I’m not sure if I realized it at first. Lizz Raffa has only been my friend for a short amount of time, but I feel comfortable telling her anything. She’s the kind of person who tells it how it is and she will drop anything, just to help a friend in need.

If you need someone to put a smile on your face, you go to Lizz. Even if you’re only with her for five minutes she somehow makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. She is the one person who’s been there for me in good times and in bad.

When the girl who I cared for rejected me, Lizz was there to pick up the pieces and assure me that the right person is out there. She made me realize that when I finally do find that right person it will be the greatest feeling in the world. Who knows? Maybe she is closer to me then I think.

She taught me to open my eyes and appreciate what I have right in front of me. She gave me the high I needed to keep pushing and when I’m falling I know I could count on her to catch me.

Most importantly, when I’m with Lizz my CP doesn’t exist. Even if it’s just for a few seconds, I’m pain free. You see, Lizz doesn’t see a guy with a hurt leg. Lizz sees me for who I really am, a good friend.

I don’t know how I will ever repay her but I do know this. Lizz Raffa was the friend who saved me in every way possible when I was crying for help. I know she will always be there for me and I will always be there for her. She is a friend who I care about deeply, my guardian angel.