The song, on its own, is amazing.

The music video - even more so.

The idea of living your boring, mundane life, dealing with the same people and the same situations day after day, is something we all have come to accept. Sometimes because we feel we have no other choice. You go through the motions of your daily life.

And when the opportunity presents itself to rewrite it, you're stuck in this attitude of "Ugh, life sucks."

You draw rain clouds instead of sunshine.

Then, a complete stranger draws an umbrella, shielding you from the storm.

Your cynicism is still very present, though.

The umbrella isn't enough to protect you from the cab splashing through a puddle while you're standing next to the street.

That same stranger comes to your side and opens their jacket so you don't get wet.

And for the first time, in a long time, you smile. I mean, really smile. Not in an "Oh, the irony..." kind of way, but a genuine smile.

It's amazing how a random person, even one you have never met, can make your day. They take your negative thoughts and change them to positive ones. And if you're really lucky, you might actually get to meet them one day.

I may be shy, awkward, ungraceful, sarcastic, moody, and impossible to deal with sometimes, but I am classy, sassy, strong, and genuine. I was raised to be a lady. I work for what I want. I dress appropriately. I have manners. I know when to keep my mouth shut. I have been taught to think with my brain, listen to my heart, and trust my gut. I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs. I go to church and live a pure life. I tell the truth. I do what I'm asked, but I don't let people take advantage. I'm nice to everyone, but don't tolerate rude behavior. I don't always think before I act. I don't judge people. I'm horrible with kids, but some kids bring out the best in me. I laugh when I'm nervous. I smile far too much. I haven't experienced things most people my age have, but most days, I don't care. I'm emotional. I'm senstive. I would rather stay in with a movie than go to a club. I second guess everything. I stand strong in my beliefs. I'm just Caitlin. Take it or leave it, but please, be patient with me. I need it more than I realize sometimes.

There comes a time for everyone when someone comes into their life that changes how they view everything. Some burn us, wear us down, and make it nearly impossible to continue on with the same spirit they once had. But some make you feel like you can take on the world, simply because they are in yours. An overwhelming sense of "I can do this" and "I can't believe I'm doing this" that doesn't weigh you down, but lifts you up. Sometimes it's a child, a friend, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or one of those not-really-because-I-don't-believe-in-them chance encounters with someone. Maybe it was just a face of an orphan you saw on television or the homeless person you pass everyday on your way to work. Maybe you haven't even met this person yet, but you want to do it for them, because you know they'll deserve this better version of you.

I think, for me, it's the people who don't realize the effect they have your life. Those people who can say one thing and completely change everything you thought about it. The ones whose very presence in your life causes an emotional tidal wave. The ones who can make you happy and sad, angry and excited, or nervous and secure, all at the same time. But it's a good thing!

• The parents that listen to the same stories and list of problems a millions times and have a different piece of advice every time.
• The friends that can make you laugh 'til you pee, but hold you when you cry.
• The siblings that are more than just siblings, but best friends.
• The teachers who still make your day when you think about what they taught you when they weren't teaching.

All of these people, regardless of their importance in your life at this present moment, have made you who you are. You're a stronger, more determined individual because of their influence in your life. You are braver.

To those people who have made me want to be a better person, wherever you are now, all I can say is thank you. You have blessed my life more than you'll ever know.

The gate is wide, the road is paved in moderation.
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in.
Welcome to the middle ground,
It's safe and sound and until now, it's where I've been.

'Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything.

But it's been love, Your love, that cuts the strings.

So long, status quo, I think I've just let go.
You make me wanna be brave.
The way it always was is no longer good enough.
You make me wanna be brave.

I am small and I speak when I'm spoken to, but I am willing to risk it all.

I say Your name, just Your name, and I'm ready to jump, even ready to fall.

Why did I take this vow of compromise?
Why did I try to keep it all inside?

I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame.
Every storm will start with just a drop of rain.
But if you believe in me, that changes everything.

Black or White vs. The Full Spectrum

Why yes, this is yet another post that started with one of my dreams. :)

I was riding in the car with a friend and we were talking about this and that. Ya know, small talk. The next thing I know, we're talking about the complexities of relationships. We agreed that it's only as complicated as the individuals that are in it, whether your related, friends, significant others, or hardly know one another. Everyone brings something different to the relationship. Some people thrive on drama, some thrive on resolving drama, and then some just want to punch those people in the face. We elaborated on this for a few minutes when I found myself hearing the statement that I would mull over for the remainder of the dream (and all day, too, in reality) "Do you know what my favorite thing about you is?" I braced myself, expecting a sarcastic answer. "About 95% of the time, you see things either black or white. There's almost never an gray area with you. You're either right or wrong. You're either a nice guy or a jerk. You only give one second chance. You have high expectations for others because you have expectations for yourself. Everyone knows where they stand with you, but you have a polite way of letting them know. Does that make sense?" I nodded. "But, the other 5% of the time, you see everything. It's not a gray area, either, but more like a freaking rainbow. It's like you understand that some things just aren't meant to be one or the other. And those things completely blow my mind sometimes. Just when I think I understand how you see the world, you say something that goes against everything I thought. Sometimes your thoughts don't match up with what you've said in the past, but when I think about them, they don't contradict them, either. Did any of that make sense?" It took a minute to process it all, but I eventually replied. They were worried they upset me, but they didn't. Not at all.

Now, I don't know if that is what this friend actually thinks. I'm not going to ask, either. I'm not sure if this is even true. I've been mulling over it all day, though. My questions?: Is this how Caitlin is? Or is this just her subconscious wishing this is how she was?