The Count of Monte Cristo (At Your Best You Are Loved)

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”- Forest Gump

This quote pretty much sums up the character that ushered it into pop culture, a forgettable, ordinary person who lived an extraordinary life.  People love the notion of triumph against all odds on the big screen.  But what of the guy/girl that lived next door, sat next to you in class, the former coworker that makes good.  Gets the dream job, meets the right person…lives happily ever after.  Are they a testament to how beautiful life can be, or a constant reminder of your shortcomings?  Like The Count of Monte Cristo I had been the underdog, overlooked, taken advantage of most my life.  But something shifted when I decided my best was good enough and carried myself accordingly -- other people followed suit and overnight I became a “somebody.”  My problem now wasn’t being seen, but having people seek the answers to their life’s questions in me.  Envy, jealousy, and spite in some form or another infiltrated virtually ever relationship I had.  A reoccurring pattern I’d soon come to loathe and accept.  And like the Count of Monte Cristo I chose to use this negative energy to fill my sails, and propel me forward rather than weigh me down. 

“I’m at a point, at place in my life where I’m not looking for drinking buddies.  I’m looking for people to grow with and build a legacy with, and make something substantial that will be remembered long after we’re no longer in existence.  And if you don’t fit the bill, or if that is too heavy a task, nine times out of ten I really don’t see the point in putting in the work and that’s what relationship are…putting the effort into relationships that are not going to go anywhere.” – John Strong