Distrito Paparacchi.

This song has been breathing in my head the entire day. And I really, really wouldn't mind if it stayed there.

Move by James Houston

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Howard Thurman

I've been reading a remarkable book I saw on the news that very early on introduces the idea that our natural instinct as humans is to consider ourselves as a victim. Plainly, we believe things happen to us. Even bank robbers and serial killers believe they are victims. They engage in their acts because this and this happened to them. And really, I was so astonished listening to their testimonies. On a relate-able level, (I can already feel myself defending myself) if I am gossiping with someone about something, really I want to say I am a victim of temptation or the desire to feel important by being a source of juicy information to someone else. (note:I wanted to write if someone is gossiping with me, clearly making me the angel/victim of the gossip happening). Essentially, my initial proposition is: we are victims of our lives.

Now let me quickly introduce a flip side before I allow those earlier words to take life. You can control your life. I really one hundred percent believe this. One day I was doing the go-backs, bringing clothes from the dressing room onto the floor and thinking to myself that everywhere I have been and every situation I am in can be directly traced to a decision I had made. Glamorous and non glamorous situations a like. I am in complete control of my life. This does come with a disclaimer. Things do not always go the way I would like them to go. And there are a whole lot of times I am like, "why God why?" And a lot of situations where I find myself crying, not anything I would wish for. But the magic is resilience, to keep going forward, and to keep creating your life.

I. really. believe. you. can. create. whatever. you. would. like. from. life. The resources, they will appear. So my challenge to Michael Edwards, is to believe you are no longer a victim. You are a victor, you are a creator, and you can choose whatever attitude you have in whatever situation you are in. So go get it, I am watching you. This is the ultimate art project. The ultimate masterpiece.

I was actually really surprised how fast it was to get home. Even with all the stores closing early, trains declaring delay, the news blaring about the blizzard, and everyone nervously pacing, really it wasn't that bad. And walking closer and closer to the apartment, observing the wind scoop and sprinkle the snow back to the ground, I couldn't help but think it was gorgeous. Just so funny to realize there will always be hype, whether it be of frustration or excitement about something, but really the only person to decide how to feel about a situation or develop an opinion about something, or someone, is you. Yeah, it's a disaster outside, but it sure is enchanting for a moment. Let's see if I will still be this charmed walking in it at 6 oclock in the morning.

Try to think about the sheer mass of all the people in this world.
Now, think about the magnitude of all the attractive, capable, intelligent individuals you have yet to meet.
And of that, think of all the extraordinary people you are already magnetized with.
Waiting (seeking) for each other.

Watch!!!!
Actually, I am always a little reluctant when multiple people share a youtube video on facebook. But you know, yolo. Seriously, this woman has a great perspective on life. Uplifting.

Thank you for such a fun day Alana! Viva Aeffe!

To a year of BIG moments, big dreams, big adventures, and even more companions that fill your heart big big big. AHH! pure excitement.

In this moment, I stand, or lay since I'm lying down, completely shocked and awed at how amazing and wonderful the last few months have been. I really am so, so fortunate. And I'm sooo excited to see everything that is to come. And really, I just want to remember this feeling forever. How often do you get to feel ok? Because I feel totally ok. Well... luckily more than that.

"I don’t know what the future will be and I’m just sort of like lets see, lets see how it goes. "
Dazed Digital

I feel like I'm the type of guy that suddenly becomes more spiritual when I really want something. "Lord, help me get this job/internship/other desired outcome." "Hail Mary full of grace, please bless my bank account". At these times I find I act like God is Santa Claus or a fairy godmother. And even, I begin to bargain my attention in order to get what I want. And--these feelings are so clear on my mind because there is something I especially want right now and I'm already planning my church schedule.
I'm thinking to myself, and thinking to myself all the times I made it out of unfavorable situations and how I am perfectly healthy and surviving right now. Isn't that enough to want. "Thou shall not want--he maketh me lie down in green pastures". This is all to say, it's gonna be OK Miguel. My biggest wow about the last few post college months is how seamlessly opportunity and good things have come. I feel terrific. And that is the truth. (Maybe it is the lack of homework) haha. I must be more reverent.
To God, thanks for letting me make totally selfish requests, yet refraining from striking me down. I'm sure the requests are going to keep rolling in for the rest of my life. "I want this, or for this to happen". Remind me to allow my spirit of gratitude to counterbalance my spirit of want. I really have so, so much.

A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: //
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.