User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4173379-20110720053903

Harry Potter has given me so much over the years, from a vibrant world always there to welcome me when reality got too dreary and gray to unshakable friendships that define the very fabric of my life. But more than anything, it gave me hope. When I felt alone, depressed, and that my future was being pulled away from me, darkened by loans and obligations to a career I didn't even want to pursue anymore but could not break free of, it was Potter that cast a patronus into the darkness. When I hated myself and who I was being forced to become, it was Potter that reminded me that the sorting hat takes our choices into consideration. The future isn't set in stone, what you think is your destiny can be changed, strength of character comes from within, there are always happy thoughts to chase away the darkness, and no one can define who you become but yourself. So, be brave and true to yourself like a Gryffindor, be loyal and fair like a Hufflepuff, observe and understand life like a Ravenclaw, and never give up on your desires like a Slytherin. Life is what you make of it...