mantra.

"Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. 

Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. 

Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. 

Say no when you don't want to do something. 

Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. 

Decided whether you want to be liked or admired. 

Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you're doing here. 

Believe in kissing."

- Eve Ensler

powerful.

"Every once in awhile, there will come an especially powerful moment when you can 

actually feel that an experience has changed who you are. 

Embrace these, even if they are painful."

— Ben Jones 

This quote really hit me the other day. As a history buff, I know we must look back before we move ahead. 

This time, when I look back over the last few weeks, month and almost year (this girl has got a birthday coming up and I'm starting to analyze a lot) but things have changed. I have gone through some incredible life experiences - for both better and worse. 

But they have helped. I wouldn't be where I am today with out the hands pulling me forward toward new things, and others tempting me to go sideways.

Learning to fester and control your own power - now that is a gift you can't get wrapped up in a box with a pretty bow. It comes with experience. Time to fall on your face and get back up. 

Just a thought.