I've learned that.....//

I've learned that sometimes the journey is lonely.

And, sometimes the people you thought would understand, don't.

It's easy to stick to the path

that the audience will applaud you for.

It's much harder to do what is on the inside of you;

the choice often misunderstood,

that will receive much speculation

and critique.

When you no longer have the benefit of the crowds praise.

When it's just you and your heart,

what will guide you?

What will bring strength?

Courage?

Endurance?

Often, I have found in my life

that the more uncomfortable I am,

the more I feel I am doing what I was destined for.

The beautiful thing?

Eventually we find our tribe,

eventually we find those one or two individuals

who completely get it.

In those moments we realize

the journey of inner strength and trust

was all worth it.

peace. love. joy.

Courage//

In the turning of times,

the changing of seasons,

and the stepping into the unknown I tend to turn towards several 

people that inspire courage on the inside of me.

Primarily, my Grandmother and Queen Victoria.

Their stories, and the history they left behind inspire me in such 

immense ways.

My Grandmother,

who was raised in the concrete jungle of NYC,

born of immigrant parents who came from the great country of Ireland to start

a new life.

She eagerly, and passionately

 fought for her education .

Not simply for hopes of a grand career.

But, rather because she valued who she was,

and what she could bring to the table. 

She valued her mind,

and the ability to read, write, and reason.

That is something that I won't every forget.

That is a legacy she left for generations to come.

Secondly, Queen Victoria.

A young woman,

who at the age of 18,

left utter obscurity

to find herself on the throne.

Not only did she "sit" on the throne and

hold a position.

She made a difference with the influence she was given,

an influence that is still felt and respected to this day.

She looked fear straight in the eye;

she didn't pay heed to the negative attacks thrown her way

about the inability to govern a nation at such a young age.

I want that courage.

The courage,

that looks the unknown in the eye,

and chooses to venture on in the arms of Trust.

peace. love. joy.