an introduction, of sorts

I have said this before but...the older I get the more I understand how little I truly know. I have always felt important, like I am here for a reason. For a long time, I misunderstood my feeling of importance. I said I felt important but I think what I meant to say was: I believe I can be helpful. When I remove my ego, I realize how important I am not, and with that, I am able see the importance of what I do.

It is not me that is important. To live authentically—that is important. To stand up against injustice and bigotry—That is important. To attempt to understand. To be kind, to be useful. To share knowledge and stories. To teach and to be taught. To be a student. To question. To be open. To be curious. To explore. To share. To connect. To elevate. To rise.

My life is a journey towards understanding. What I have come to learn is that while we must support, appreciate, and love each other, we must truly move through this world on our own, and by our own carefully curated set of standards. Those who know and understand us deeply will support and love us through it all— this is the greatest gift.

The more authentic I am in my lifestyle and outlook, the more gifts I am granted by the universe, often delivered through the kindness of others. I have become a magnet for positive energy and outcomes, I can only assume it has something to do with the simple act of trying. I have failed at many things, many times, and what I have learned is that I am often bad at things before I am good. Practicing authenticity is a process and I find it helpful to account for how far I have come.

In practicing gratitude, I have been granted generous offerings. In my practice towards patience, I am granted situations that challenge my patience. In my practice towards character, I am granted a variety crossroads. And in my search for morality, I have been given countless opportunities to prove and improve myself. Everything is a practice, there is no arrival. These opportunities continue still and onward. I have found that whatever intention I set out for myself, the universe adjusts accordingly and grants gifts if I truly wish to seek them