by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Ever feel like your life is one big zig-zag line - like things are down in the dumps one moment and high in the sjy the next? Guess what? So does everyone else.

While each person's individual situation will differ, we all experience both joy and pain. Both ups and downs teach us lessons. When your zig-zag is on a downward spiral, it's easy to lose focus or wonder if you'll ever pull through.

Instead of moping through those lows, remember that sometimes the best lessons come from pain. Everything happens for a reason. I know you're thinking it must be so easy for me to say this . You think I haven't been through whatever you are going through. While I may or may not have gone through a situation similar to yours, I can guarantee you that my life has been far from privileged. I've had my fair share of rough spots and you know what? Those are some of the things that have shaped me into who I am.

Take a look back at some of the things that have gone in your life and ask yourself if you would be the same person had things gone different. Personally, I'd rather zig-zag through life with all its ups and downs than cruise through without a care. I'd like to keep my compassion, empathy, and heart. If I walked a straight line without all the zigzags, I would never know how to relate to people or how to care. I also wouldn't learn very much about life - or have one for that matter.

How about you? Are you embracing your zig-zag?