#personalstruggles

We're around each other all the time, and there are memories we share, but it's just not the same as when I was in elementary school and high school. The feeling is different now. It's like they just occupy space in my life, but I don't feel that same connection anymore. I'm the one who would do anything for a friend, who would do everything, but sometimes I regret it. I think, maybe I should've spent all my energy on another person someone who actually appreciates me.

It gets to me more when it comes to small things, like jokes and teasing. Sometimes I feel like I'm not actually part of the group, not actually understood for who I am. When I was growing up, I was never referred to as "maarte" (fussy), although I know I can be. I've always been fussy about cleanliness—I didn't like anything dirty, smelly, or sweaty, and I've always been like that. It's just how I was brought up, not in a negative way, but it's just me. Yet, sometimes when I’m with them, it feels like no one really gets that side of me anymore.

I want to open up, say what's on my mind, but something prevents me from doing so. Perhaps it's because I'm just so tired of the drama. It's tiring pretending like everything is okay when it doesn't feel like that. I suppose I don't want to keep forcing it when it isn't mutual. But perhaps I need to stop seeking validation from people who don't perceive me the way that I perceive them.

Hollywood's landscape is always bustling with news, be it a movie premiere, a concert, or a celebrity's personal life story. One such intriguing incident revolves around the "Yellowstone" actor, Kevin Costner, who recently made waves at a Taylor Swift concert while undergoing a challenging personal chapter in his life.

1. Rocking Out to Taylor Swift

It's not every day that you see Kevin Costner, a veteran actor, swaying to Taylor Swift's catchy breakup anthems. At the Eras Tour, the 68-year-old actor was seen in high spirits, jamming to Swift’s “We Are Never, Ever, Getting Back Together,” from her iconic 2012 album, "Red." Costner's appreciation for the pop star isn't isolated. Swift’s music often bridges generational gaps, making her one of the most relatable artists of the decade.

2. A Father-Daughter Night to Remember

What made this evening even more endearing was that Costner wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter, Grace. This wasn't just any regular father-daughter outing; both were impeccably dressed, with Costner in a classy white shirt and Grace in a fashionable white dress. Their shared moments, from dancing to singing along, highlighted the bond they share, making it a memory that would surely stay etched in their minds.

3. The Backdrop: Costner’s Personal Struggles

As Costner enjoyed a night out, one couldn't ignore the ongoing tumult in his personal life. His 19-year marriage with Christine Baumgartner reached a breaking point when she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Such high-profile splits often bring their own set of challenges, from legal struggles to maintaining a sense of normalcy for the children involved.

4. Legal Battles and Child Support

One of the most highlighted parts of their separation was the ensuing legal battle regarding child support. With claims and counterclaims about finances, lifestyle, and monthly expenses, both parties presented their sides. Christine's allegations about Costner's intention to evict her from their family home further complicated matters, leading to increased media scrutiny.

5. The Final Verdict

Often, we allow our surroundings to affect us and we ignore change in our behavior that others notice with little effort. We think and overthink and think a tad more until we drive ourselves nuts with our own thoughts. Our focus shifts towards what we do not have, what we want but haven’t achieved yet, and what seems impossible to achieve. What we do not realize is, that by focusing on all that is ‘missing’ we lose out on what we have but are not appreciating.

– Our life is not a Picture-Perfect production directed, produced and developed with many re-takes. –

Instead, it is a non-stop event that keeps happening in a continuous format, like it or not. We can either focus on what is not happening or learn to appreciate what is happening for us and keep an eye out for what more can happen with our efforts, diligence, and passion.

Sometimes you need to let go things and people – and when that time comes that is all you can do. When it is time to take concrete steps, it is time.

If you need to start a dialogue, that is what you must do.

If your investment is far higher than the return you are getting, you must rethink how much more are you willing to invest.

If you continue to invest, you need to prepare for the risks, disappointments, opportunities, and achievements that may happen along the way.

– The life is only as complicated or simple as we make it. –

Don’t tell me ‘easy said than done’ because I have, and I continue to live a life with my own dilemmas, choices, confusions, setbacks, achievements and the whole conundrum of it all. Tell me, ‘I will fight what is difficult, going to manage what is in my control, let go of what I am not ought to have control over, and focus on my goals, personal and professional, working hard towards them, every single day, because my life and this entire journey is worth it!’

So, Let’s BEGIN!

And remember, Be KIND to YOURSELF & KINDER to those AROUND You

#INSPIREinfluenCEL

Szebastian Onne G. S.