i have been trying to stay positive. sometimes it just seems like it is more work to smile than to just sit here and complain. so i have been trying to find motivational things that cheer me up...

ONE THING YOU CAN LEARN BY WATCHING THE CLOCK IS THAT IT PASSES TIME BY KEEPING ITS HANDS BUSY.--i find that i don't think about my dad so much as long as i keep myself busy.

MAN CANNOT DISCOVER NEW OCEANS UNLESS HE HAS THE COURAGE TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE SHORE.--this is sometimes related to my dad.

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP WILL DETERMINE THE TROUBLE YOU MEET.--this is my dad's problem. if he stays away from his "bad influencing friends" he is fine. and as long as i stay close to people who understand and are supportive...i do well.

SWALLOWING ANGRY WORDS IS MUCH BETTER THAN HAVING TO EAT THEM--i tend to be on the angry end, and it hurts to eat those word after they are said.

PEOPLE KNOW WHO YOU ARE BY WHAT THEY SEE, NOT BY WHAT THEY HEAR.--my dad swears he's not drinking, but when i walk through his doors, it is evident that he is lying.

THE BEST WAY TO GET EVEN IS TO FORGET.--i am bad at forgiving and forgetting, so this is something i have to work on.

A MINUTE OF THOUGHT IS WORTH MORE THAN AN HOUR OF TALK.--sometimes if you think about what you want to say, you realize that you probably shouldn't say it.

THE FIRST STEP TO WISDOM IS SILENCE; THE SECOND STEP IS LISTENING.--i have trouble listening and being silent-i am an aggressive person.

LEARN FROM OTHERS MISTAKES RATHER THAN MAKING THEM ALL YOURSELF.--that's what makes this web site great.

EVERY PERSON SHOULD HAVE A SPECIAL CEMETERY LOT IN WHICH TO BURY THE FAULTS OF FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.--sometimes you just have to let it go.

YOUR WORDS ARE WINDOWS INTO YOUR HEART.--we all have big hearts, otherwise we wouldn't be here.

CONTENTMENT ISN'T GETTING WHAT YOU WANT, BUT BEING SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.--it's hard to be satisfied with watching a loved one hurt themselves.  it helps me knowing that i am satisfied with myself.

YOU CANNOT WIN IF YOU DO NOT BEGIN.--i think of my dad when i read this. i think if he wanted and tried he could win.

FALLING DOWN DOESN'T MAKE YOU A FAILURE, BUT STAYING DOWN DOES.--i try to keep my hopes up.

HE WHO WANTS MILK SHOULD NOT SIT ON A STOOL IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EMPTY PASTURE.--you can't expect something that isn't there.

IF YOU DON'T STAND FOR SOMETHING, YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING!--i stand my ground. it may be harsh sometimes, but i am strong.

IT'S BETTER TO DIE WITH A GOOD NAME THAN TO LIVE WITH A BAD ONE.--my father was a good man who people respected and remembered. unfortunately what he'll be remembered as now is that he turned into a horrible drunk. that is sad.

OUR TEMPER IS LIKE A FIRE. IT GETS DESTRUCTIVE WHEN IT GETS OUT OF CONTROL.--i am trying to work on my temper. i just get so mad and so hurt that it just feels so good to get mad.

MANY A GOOD MAN HAS FAILED BECAUSE HE HAD HIS WISHBONE WHERE HIS BACKBONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN.--i used to just wish that my dad would get better, but it's not happening. so i am standing my ground-it's not acceptable!

sorry, this got kind of out of control. i started writing, and writing, and now i see i got carried away. this helped me!

 flintfeet