Hey, thanks Grim.
Advice is always appreciated. And I know you are wise enough to give us all some.
And, you know, you aren't old, my friend. People are officially old once they reach 60. So, you have a while to go yet.
This is a thread entitled 'Advice' so perhaps I should give some?
Life is gunna be a bitch, you're gonna feel pain, you will be destroyed emotionally, maybe even mentally on numerous occasions. Nothing can be done about any of that. However, I can GUARANTEE that, for every moment of pain, every tear, every moment of regret, you will become stronger. As we walk along the path of life, some hurdles will just be too big to jump, or even climb over. But, as we manage to stumble, fall, and break our way through the hurdles, as we must do to continue living; you become stronger, and with each experience, you will find that other hurdles will be easier because of past experience.
And, your experience will allow you to help others climb over the hurdles, give them the skills needed.
I KNnoW this, it isn't a theory. Without going emo and blah, I have seen some real shit in my life, and swam through it as well((Metaphorical shit, of course)). Perhaps enough to give some of you nightmares, I know it gives me nightmares. However, perhaps surprisingly, I am grateful for it all. Because, without those experiences, the heartache, the pain, I would not be the person I am today. Strong, understanding, considerate, caring. Many things I am, that perhaps I wouldn't otherwise be, are all thanks to my experiences.
So, embrace life, and don't ever give up, even if you feel you are old. Share what you have learned, help others, live on, and grow.
And, a little belated, but Happy Birthday Grim.
Peace.
Lord Saladin