I believe that I am here to help. I do not know if I will help in a large way, or a small way. I do not know if what I do will impact one or many. But I do know that the way I will do this is by learning. By observing. By paying attention to what is easily ignored, the tiny and the insignificant. By soaking in utmost detail everything I see, touch, feel, and experience. By asking questions about everything, little or broad. By embracing opportunities for discomfort and doubt as treasure troves of opportunity to grow. By paying careful and mindful attention to myself, others, and the nature of everything. And challenging it all.
I will always be a student. I will always learn, always observe, and face the obstacles that stand in my way. I will grapple my ego and my sense of satiety with what I know. I will face my fears, my insecurities, and my doubts head-on to understand myself and others better. I will accept my weaknesses and learn to turn them into strengths - allies that support me, rather than weigh me down. I will be fluid, and challenge my perspective at all times. I will be my own best friend, supporter, confidante and source of strength. I will give freely, and not seek gain at the loss of others. And in the end, I hope that I will have given more than I have taken.
I will be compassionate to others, and I will be compassionate to myself. I will be a source of encouragement, a building force. I will listen without an internal monologue, to experience my fellow men's reality. I will be slow to judge and refrain from coming to hasty conclusions. I will live by paying attention to learn what we need, for we are all connected and dependent on one another. So that together, we might grow. That together, we might be stronger. That together, we might heal from our wounds - tiny and massive, visible and latent. That together we might stand with each other, understand each other, and bring the change that our world needs.
