Under The Wire

You know we're all going through the same things right?

It's not just you. It may feel that way. Hell, you may be absolutely certain of it sometimes. But it's not.

I've never really been able to properly explain this one. Mostly because I don't fully understand it myself. But I learned a long time ago not to tell people, "You don't understand", because there's a very good chance they do.

We could run the numbers. There's nearly seven billion other people floating around out there. That's a big number to get your head around so take a second. Now do me a favor. Think of seven billion different things that could make you mad, or unhappy, or just plain beat. Got 'em? No? How about I make it easier. About 27% of the Earth's population is under the age of 15. Now I know from experience that 15 year olds can be just as screwed up as the rest of us, but it's been awhile since I've been fifteen so let's go ahead and knock that 27% or so out altogether. Shit, knock off another billion for China while you're at it too. Can you think of 4,250,000,000 things? No? Didn't think so.

Now I know what you're all thinking, "Gee Chris, that seems like a whole lot of poor math and vague statistics with no citation." And you're right, so go fuck yourself, but think about it. Is there any chance that there is no one in the entire world feeling as down as you feel right now? That there isn't someone feeling messed up over the same things?

Let's be totally honest here. I'm a pretty fucked up guy sometimes, and even I know that there is someone out there going through pretty close to the same thing that I am. I stretch the definition of normal in just about every way you can imagine and I'm pretty confident that someone out there is going through the exact same shit I am right now.

I don't know why that's comforting exactly, but it is.

I've watched myself struggle on and off for years. Sometimes it's real, sometimes it's all in my head. Sometimes I can even tell the difference. But lately it seems like I've watched more and more people struggling around me. And that sort of makes me sad. I'll get my own shit straightened out at some point. There really isn't any other way it could be. But there's not a whole lot I can do for everyone else. I wish there was, but there isn't. And if you're not so sure if any of those 7 billion people you don't know get it...well maybe they don't. But maybe that guy sitting next to you does. Or maybe that girl you were talking to just a little while ago. Or maybe I do. I just don't know. But I promise...someone get's it. No matter how much it may seem like it, you're not alone.

I don't know why I felt like writing this tonight. It was a good night for me. I had a good time. The good moments in the last week or so far outweigh the bad. There's a shitstorm brewing on the horizon, but we take them as they come nowadays, one at a time with everything we've got. I can't do much though. And all I can say is the same thing I've said before and hope that someone that needs it sees it. I mean I can't stop the rain. And I can't make the sun come out. But I can tell you it's only water, and there are worse things than being wet.

You know what the best part of this is?

I could be talking to myself right now, or I could be talking to you, or I could be talking to one of those other 7 billion people. And it wouldn't make a difference...we're all going through something. And somebody out there understands. Beautiful isn't it?

So take the word of a total stranger.

Or take the advice of a faithful friend.

You're doing just fine.

Take your time.

Be whoever and however you have to be right now.

It's ok.

Smile when you're ready.