This is It

And that was it-- the moment when I realized this is all the time I have; the moment when I simply refused to go in the same direction any more. It's time for a change.

I just realized that pain can be good. If it galvanizes me to action, makes me take leaps toward the frightening unknown that I've avoided-- then it can be good. If it makes me realize the importance of trying as hard as I can, without fear, without self-destructive criticism-- then it can be good. If it makes me realize that my life will never change unless I take it upon myself to be the catalyst-- then it can be good.

Pain is good if you use it as a weapon. Not to strike down others, but to make something better of yourself. That's the only thing that's changed. But it's so much. This is it.

Don't live another day unless you make it count
There's someone else that you're supposed to be--
There's something deep inside of you that still wants out
And shame on you if you don't set it free. ~Jonathan Coulton