It is time that we change the cycle and bring it back to positive thinking and knowing that you are not alone. I sometimes am guilty of feeling helpless, but that only happens when we allow ourselves to feel that way. None of us are perfect, that is what makes us human. A wise friend sent me this by Pink and it just spoke so clearly that I felt compelled to share this with you. It gave me comfort enough to take a deep breath and embrace the goodness that is to come.

Enjoy!

Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face
And said I just don’t care?

It’s only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn
The thunder before lightning, the breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you’re not alone?
Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?
Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It’s only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table, the walk before the run
The breath before the kiss and the fear before the flames
Have you ever felt this way?

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee, calling me sugar
You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight?
Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself
Will it ever get better than tonight? Tonight…

-Pink “Glitter in the Air”

I love the winter for all reasons because I feel like it’s the season for change. It is before the year comes to an end when the countdown begins for a fresh start for the New Year. You have the chance to spend quality time before the year-ends and sneak in opportunities to shop and celebrate the accomplishments in your life.

A perfect winter season is when we give and receive. We remember those who we might have forgotten. We take peace in knowing how fortunate we are to be alive and well. We are excited for the New Year to come. We are hopeful for the opportunities that will come, as it can only get better. We are also able to give to others during this season. So take a minute out of your day and give back to a charity or someone who is less fortunate. It will only make you feel better.

I still think about that day and the fear that spread across my campus. International students were receiving threats and I too feared for my life. It really made me think about how fear really compels individuals to act out of character. I am grateful that my loved ones are safe and sound, but I learned that we must embrace everyday as it were your last. So many people lost their lives that fateful morning, not just US citizen’s but across the globe.

Today, I pray and remember those who lost their loved ones, and those who played a role in saving lives of those who were in peril that ill-fated morning.

Let’s take a look at the following protégés:

Mattie J. Stepanek – despite losing his battle at a very young age to he still wrote beautiful poetry in hopes of bringing simplicity and love back to this world. He lived a short life, however, even though he suffered from Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy he did not allow his medical diagnosis to get in the way of the message he wanted to spread across the world. He wanted to bring to our attention the importance of peace and global tolerance, which I believe is necessary for all of us to live a fulfilled life.

Khadijah Williams – the girl who broke all boundaries and is now going to attend the most prestigious institution, Harvard University. Who said that there are limits in life? We all can achieve our dreams if we just focus and work hard, despite the adversities we may face. I believe that her story should be inspiration to all of us when are faced with such dilemmas. Williams was first featured in the L.A. Times and has since then pursuing strong efforts in education policy. She aspires to make great changes and I see her making a difference already!

You can find her featured in Vanity Fair.