Why do you write songs that haunt me, Dave Matthews?

Like the seasons Changing hues From white, immaculate white Waiting for it to be filled with greens, yellows, and pinks All seem rosy and gay When the greens turn to red Fiery red Burning the path we've walked on As it burns the ground, The red has turned to dust, the path has become a carpet of ashes A dreary picture of grays.

Sometimes we get so lost in the noise of the world that you forgot what really matters to you. And I get lost in so many things that I thought determine or define my life... only to realize that after a while, those things don't even have a bearing on how I should live my life. And so what matters most? For me, at this point, is being happy and having good thoughts about everything. The past year, as I look back now, has been a struggle for me because at times, I couldn't deal with the differences in idealism, principles, and choices that my friends and family have had. I always thought I was pretty open-minded and understanding, that I can respect anyone's opinions and choices (that includes judging anyone based on their opinions and choices). But the elections happened -- from which I have learned I couldn't help but be disappointed with some of my friends' and family's choices in candidates and platforms (it sounds petty, I know). I found myself saying -- How could he/she choose that candidate? Why can't they hear or understand the words spewing from that candidate's mouth? It was a divisive year -- 2016, and I felt it was longer than any other years that passed. I was so looking forward for it to end, really... even if a lot of good things have happened to me last year (travel wise and all). I am just glad it is now over, and we have a whole new 365 (well, 363 days to be exact from today) days to fill with good stories, positive thoughts, kindness, and adventures. I thought I was writing something else... but this turned out to be some cliche looking back post. :)