From every wound there is a scar and every scar tells a story -- a story that says "I survived."

We've all been hurt. Battle scars exist in each and every one of us. Whether it's losing your first true love, or the death of a parent/friend, we all have wounds that cut deeply. But if you have the kind of strength that I believe exists in all of us, you can pick yourself up off the ground and stand proudly back up.

What I find really intriguing about these kinds of scars is that they're emotional, not physical, yet if you look closely enough, you can actually see the pain, the anguish, and the intensity of that wounded person. You can look directly into their eyes and see their life story. It's terribly amazing.

What we all must remember is that life is all about the ups and downs; it's merely a very long roller coaster ride. The bumps and bruises we obtain along the way make us who we are. We grow from every bit of suffering that we go through. I know my experiences have made me the strong-willed person that I am today. Every downfall that happens makes me stronger and wiser. Things hardly phase me anymore, yet I know I have a lot of learning left to do.

Advice of the day: Do not be afraid to suffer, for without suffering we would never realize the truly wonderful elements of life.

Feel free to share your scar stories if you'd like -- be sure to include what you gained from the experience, too!

Song of the day: Darryl Worley "Awful Beautiful Life"

Stop figuring out where you're going and enjoy where you're at.

Too many people spend too much of their precious time worrying about the future. True, the future is a scary concept, especially in today's struggling economy. Prices are rising and wages are staying the same. Being a college student in America, I know how scary the future is. I already have $5,000 in loans and there's plenty more to come just so I can get myself through school.

But through all this, I have come to realize one thing: live for the present. Live every moment as if it were your last. Live like you were dying. I'm not saying don't think about the future. I'm saying don't worry about it. If you work hard and live great, every piece will fall into place.

Advice of the day: Laugh when nothing's funny, dance when there's no music, sing like you've never sung before, love 'til it hurts, cry when you're sad, smile when you're happy, and live every day like it's your last. 

This is something everyone has trouble remembering. We're constantly revolving around the trivial matters... gossip, drama, enemies and frenemies. Too many angry words are wasted on the people you love. Think before you speak so you regret nothing you've said.

Another word to the wise: stop living in the past. The past does nothing but haunt you. Thinking "what if" about every regret you've had does nothing for you. There is no such thing as time travel. You cannot go back and change the past. So take my advice and live for each new day. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise. Sit on your porch and enjoy the sunset. Allow these moments to set you free...

Song of the day: James Otto "Days Of Our Lives"