"Give me something to believe in..."

I tried all night not to break down and cry
As the tears rolled down my face
I felt so cold and empty
Like a lost soul out of place

And the mirror, mirror on the wall
Sees my smile it fades again

And give me something to believe in
If there's a Lord above
And give me something to believe in
Oh, Lord arise

Sometimes I wish to God I didn't know now
The things I didn't know then
Road you gotta take me home...


------------------

This has always been one of my favorite Poison songs. Yes, it's more than a little bit depressing. (Those aren't all the lyrics, by the way. Look them up if you don't know the song.) But more than anything, it's real. We live in a world where no two countries can get along, technology takes the place of genuine human interaction and the media are more concerned with Britney Spears than with our soldiers who risk their lives in the Middle East. How often do we find ourselves wondering, "What do we have left to believe in anymore?"

But not all is lost. Some find comfort in a higher power. That's fantastic. But I believe that we can seek refuge within ourselves as well. We have the ability to rearrange our priorities, to find hope in the little things that make life worthwhile and to block out, even if only for a moment, the prevailing negative attitude that exists today.

So, ladies and gentlemen, here is what I believe in:
- Living like there is no tomorrow because, well, maybe there isn't.
- Telling someone how you really feel. A broken heart heals, but regret lasts forever.
- Telling loved ones exactly how much they mean to you because everyone deserves to know he or she is appreciated.
- Dancing in the rain.
- Keeping an open mind, but not so open that your brain falls out.
- Taking chances because, one of these days, it just might pay off.
- Eating dessert first every once in a while.
- Never wishing a day away because life is too short to waste a single moment.
- Standing up for yourself because, if you don't, no one else will either.
- Dancing like no one's watching and singing like no one's listening because if people have a problem with it, they're obviously jealous of your glowing confidence.
- Random phone calls just to say hello.
- Giving people a chance because the most unlikely person could turn out to be the best friend you've ever known.
- Wearing pajamas in public.
- Crying if you feel like crying.
- Wishing on stars.
- Telling it like it is. Political correctness and watered-down truths accomplish nothing.
- Hugs.
- Laughing out loud.
- Sleeping in.
- Not being afraid to say no.

"Give me something to believe in..."? There you go, Bret Michaels.

amber marie.