I can't say for sure how life is going to work out. The one thing I can say for sure is thus far, it's been colorful and strange and full of surprise. It's hard to - wait, I think I should say it's painful - to feel unappreciated or undervalued from anyone. But if that isn't motivation to prove them all wrong I don't know what is. People overcome adversity every day. People live out a dream or realize a dream. People get a new sense of purpose and sometimes, even in the midst of loss or grief, somehow what is waiting for us is the potential to be alive, more alive. I decided yesterday that no matter how difficult this time of my life may be, I will not give up on what I deem most important. I listen to advice (and everyone has some) and at some point, you simply have to listen to your own instincts and do what works for you. My life has been like a large ball of gumballs and prizes. Full of color and mystery flavor and tiny little bouts of beauty and excitement. In spite of a sour one here and there or a dud, I know in the end, the biggest surprise will be that I am happy. Really, truly happy. And so at the advice of one, I will stop, breathe, take photos, and express myself in any way that can add more beauty and less chaos.
