Time To Say Goodbye

"Things come wrapped up in time, like the past in a present, or the perfect line in a song,
 They take their time, and when they're gone, they take their time with them..."

Somebody recently asked me how do I remain so upbeat and optimistic in a life apparently so far filled with setbacks and disappointments?
My simple answer was that I try to draw strength from these experiences with an unbreakable spirit, safe in the knowledge that I firmly believe that my hope isn't misplaced, as good times are just around the corner.
This is in essence the story of who I am, and the story of what makes me this way.
The story which tells the tale that through every negative I do my best to find a positive outcome, as I also truly believe that you have to experience the bad things in life, to fully appreciate the good times when they come along.

~

 "It's always a struggle to let somebody go, it's a natural desire to own your lover, I know..."

Tomorrow marks the birthday of my last true love...may my sweet Louise always rest in peace ♥
I have to finally accept that she's gone, as I have been in denial for far too long with regards to her passing away at such a tender age. I know that it's time to let go, time to say goodbye, and time to move on.
She will always live on in my heart, and the thought of her makes me want to become a better man... a man that she would've wanted me to be.

~

Due to her brave fight with cancer, Lou was the inspiration behind the charity event I organised for Cancer Research UK, which amazingly celebrates its' anniversary at the end of the month.
(please see photo bottom right, featuring the lads & myself beside Eastbourne Pier after we'd just completed the 100 miles trek along The South Downs Way).
So with this anniversary in mind, as well as Lou's birthday, it seems an appropriate time to say goodbye.

~

Part of the process of writing these blogs was to personally help me deal with the conflict between my desire to find a simplistic way of life, whilst struggling with a complex state of mind...and I'm getting there!
In the meantime, I'm going to be keeping myself-to-myself initially, although I do fully intend to move on.
The unconditional support, love and friendship that I receive from those closest to me is most gratefully appreciated, and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart ♥
I wish you all well, and I look forward to the next chapter in my life...whatever that may be?

"...And you can have it all, my empire of dirt,
 I will let you down, I will make you hurt.
 If I could start again, a million miles away,
 I would keep myself, I would find a way".

Steve M