Put down the pebble.

How much does a pebble weigh that you pick up off the ground?  This isn't a trick question just a small kicking stone that you can find on any road out there.  Not much right?  A toddler could easily hold a handful of them and not complain right?  One could be in your pocket and you wouldn't even know it right?

Take that same pebble and hold it high in the air.  Arm extended straight out and do not drop it for anything.  Don't lower your arm.  Don't drop the pebble.  How heavy is it now?  Still pretty light?  How about after a few hours...days...weeks...years?

Imagine that pebble as a problem that you are dealing with.  Your problem may not seem like much.  You can handle it.  Why bother others with it?  Everyone has their own pebble right?  Wrong.

You matter.  Things that bother you matter.  You have a right to be heard.  You do not have to quietly suffer in order to not rock the boat.

Go back to our pebble.  Let's say you put down the pebble.  Release the problem.  Now your arms are rested ready for the next pebble life throws at you.  You are not distracted by the pain of the pebble you have been holding on to.

Today I want you to think about what it is that is bothering you.  What is your pebble?  Can you fix it? Can talking to someone else fix it?  Can a deep ugly cry help?  Do whatever it takes to live this life fully without the distraction of an ornery pebble.

You are loved.  Your feelings matter.  Put down that stupid pebble.