"Like a small boat On the ocean Sending big waves Into motion Like how a single word Can make a heart open..."

All of the lights land on you

The rest of the world fades from view
And all of the love I see
Please please say you feel it too
And all of the noise I hear inside
Restless and loud, unspoken and wild
And all that you need to say
To make it all go away
It's that you feel the same way too

And I know
The scariest part is letting go
'Cause love is a ghost you can't control
I promise you the truth can't hurt us now
So let the words slip out of your mouth

And all of the steps that led me to you

And all of the hell I had you walk through

But I wouldn't trade a day for the chance to say

My love, I'm in love with you

I know that we're both afraid
We both made the same mistakes

An open heart is an open wound to you

And in the wind there's a heavy choice

Love has a quiet voice
Still you mind, now I'm yours to choose

And I know

The scariest part is letting go

Let my love be the light that guides you home

And I know

The scariest part is letting go

'Cause love is a ghost you can't control

I promise you the truth can't hurt us now

So let the words slip out of your mouth

The journey is a constantly evolving adventure,

and it's never the same way as your progress along the windy path.

And I am not the same.

When it all began a long time ago,

what was uncertainty, fear, blind optimism, and a naiive courageousness

has fallen away.

Instead, what is now, looks a little more worn,

a quiet strength

and an older soul.

Of course days months and years has passed...

and with the passing of time is the passing of experience.

The new becomes a familiar,

the fear is replaced by comfort,

"displaced" sounds more like "home".

And life adjusts it's purpose,

an experienced traveler moving along through this amazing journey.

She said, "you always land on your feet."

But I'm not sure I've landed yet.

And for a brief moment I feel something that is less frequent nowadays.

The sounds of a bustling city, the noises of the concrete jungle...

a flash of homesickness.

Because before was the beginning,

starting out on the journey of self-discovery...

eager, and ambitious-holding tightly to absolutes.

I would ask my past self what it was like to live in a world that was made of black and white.

And tell her that my future self will be found in a world of brilliant grays.

But it's all as it should be,

and everything in sequences creates the perfect path to the present.

And confidence of the future that is paved ahead.

No, I am not the same as I was,

and it will not be the same as it was.

Treasure the brief flashes of the past,

the smell of a crowded city in the summer...

the most beautiful melting pot of humans,

the twinkling lights that replaced the stars,

The Atlantic.

On your way out of the middle,

make sure you appreciate every moment,

remember that it won't always be this way,

and each event is preparation to carry along with you on the journey.

Celebrate family and friends and strengthen relationships.

Practice finding beauty in the familiar,

then stop to appreciate it.

Because maybe we get only one shot at life,

mine as well enjoy all of it.

Know that struggles and challenges help create a better version of self.

Transformation is so important,

never settle,

feed curiosities,

allow yourself to dream without limits.

There is so much perfection everywhere.

I cannot fathom how much beauty there is...

when I look and reflect back on the sunsets and the landscapes of my past,

I can help but remain in awe.

Use these moments of inspiration to create something new,

and give back to others what you have received,

Because selflessness leads to self-actualization.

And its important to live in world where people bring goodness.

I know I say this often,

but as I grow older I realize it only becomes more relevant.

Take nothing for-granted,

because life really does change in an instant,

Appreciate the people in your life and tell them so,

appreciate your health and your well-being.

You never know when something may alter this.

And you must live without regret.

It seems like things are lining up and falling into place.

An opportunity for a magnificent trek approaches.

Another reminder...

do not be afraid of success.

Don't get over confident either,

but realize that maybe more pieces of the puzzle are coming together,

and you have a better grasp on the bigger picture now.

Continue to make goals and add to your bucket list,

allow yourself to take risks,

but don't be stupid.

Realize that there will be things that happen,

some in your control,

some out of your control,

unexpected or unpredictable...

Use them to create a smarter future,

and add to the wealth of knowledge you acquire by simply living.

And go easy on yourself.

Count your blessings and accomplishments.

Don;t live in the past,

but don't forget to acknowledge that the past has created the person you are now.

Its impossible to know how far you have come,

if you fail to know where you started.

You are not better than anyone,

we are all equals,

and similar at the core.

Respect the others around you...

be slow to pass judgement and quick to lend a helping hand.

You recognize the people in your past that have shown unexpected kindness,

pay it forward.

The ocean is calling and I'm teetering on the edge of change.

I foresee a changing landscape and many new roads to travel.

The great Pacific.

The West.

Many many more sunsets.

There's a quiet eagerness building,

and while I cannot wait to see what the future brings,

I will stop to appreciate the here and now,

and the present.

And I will send my gratitude to the girl who only saw black and whites,

and salute the bravery and hopefulness in my past,

when everything started.

And practice love,

and open-mindedness, and kindness. 

Because really it all matters.

And these are the things that are the most important.