Cheryl

"I think you have a lot of talent; I just think you need to see that you do."

How can people claim to see all of this potential in me, when I can't even see it for myself?

2020: Strategy and Tactics

There is something to be said about feeling optimistic about the future. Seriously, this is an all-new sensation for me and I like it.

I want to feel this feeling more often.

The game plan:

1. I will actively and strategically make decisions that further encourage this feeling of optimism in my life.

2. These decisions will create a positive feedback loop that helps foster future successes. In time this positive feedback loop will become self-sustaining and self-perpetuating.

2b. "Success breeds success due to increased confidence" and desire to maintain forward momentum generated by past successes. - Markus Raab, Ph.D.

3. The end result will be an atmosphere of success and optimism that allows for a foundation of positivity to form. This foundation will permeate all future decision-making processes.

4. This positivity will also spread to my close friends and family, fostering an environment that promotes success in the pursuit of individual goals and achievements.

There is something to be said about feeling optimistic about the future. "The future is ours for the taking," as Turnip and the Radishes once sang. Now it is time to get after it.

Liberation

There's nothing like walking rain-soaked city streets late at night and hearing fireworks go off without warning in the near distance, realizing that the year has come to an end and a new year has commenced in its place.

Twelve months. The clock is already ticking. Let's get after it.

Pansy

Loss has taught me nothing except how to live without you.

Rational Self-Analysis I

When you hate yourself to the extent that I do, it becomes easier to transcend human limitation – the kind that prevents most individuals from realizing their true potential – because you are no longer constrained by the concept of self-preservation.

It becomes far easier to endure pain – as well as seek out and invite additional pain upon yourself – when you feel as though you deserve it.

Whether this is a healthy long-term strategy for mental development, however, remains to be seen.

Ishmael

I wasted a lot of time feeling sorry for myself after your death and that is not your fault - who I am is different than who I was at the time of your murder - but it has taken me six years to realize that through living a life that pays tribute to you, by appreciating rather than cursing this gift of life - by recognizing every breath as a sacred gift, every day, every sunrise, every smile and every laugh - I can still honor you and your sacrifice.

I will cherish that gift, Gerardo. I will not let it go to waste, not one more second of it - never again. I will cherish every moment and every challenge this life has to offer, and I will live it in your memory . . . and in your honor.

I believe that is how anyone would rather be remembered.

This is letting go, old friend. Now it is time to gain some ground.

Kit

Several months ago I had a dream about you.

In this dream I was trying to save your life.
I couldn't save you . . . but we died together.

It was worth it.