Everyone deserves the chance to be heard and understood — Often when you witness a misunderstanding unfold in a movie, you can’t help but wonder how easy it is to avoid it if the characters just talked to each other. Unfortunately, humans don’t work that way. We are very objective when we’re mere spectators and not the subject of a…

And with it comes self reflection and some regrets — I wake up at 7:23 p.m., exactly 30 minutes after I closed my eyes for a quick nap after getting home from work. I stare at my screensaver, but not mindlessly. This time my phone displays a lush green island with snowcapped mountains illuminated by twilight. It’s hauntingly beautiful. And…

You don’t expect the little things to hurt so much but they do — It comes in waves, the desperation, the helplessness. I laugh at something and then remember what happened. It’s just a cat, people say. Yes. A cat. But also so much more. If only people moved beyond biases, they can see animals for who they are. …

Recalling the life events of a 90’s kid— the good and the bad — It’s June 2016 I’m lost. I’m okay, I tell myself. I know my friends will find me, or I’ll find them. We’re in the mountains. My phone isn’t working. I see some familiar faces. They’re not friends, but I stay close so they can lead me to my friends. …

How the actions of one person saved my life and influence me to this day — When I was 7, I almost died. I had drifted to the deep side of the swimming pool without realizing it. My sister and I were enjoying our time together at a farmhouse. Minutes later, I was fighting for my life and no one knew. I don’t remember what I…

Let go of your ego to find out — Stressful times are a good indicator of your character, ever heard that one before? Well, I have. Heard and experienced the real meaning behind those words. I have seen masks fall off. I have seen average people turn into heroes. Normally, the little things give away the true nature of…

It all comes down to perspective — When someone smiles at you and you don’t smile back, what are you giving into? Arrogance. And it will make you fall flat on your face one day. When people say you can’t do something and you believe them, what are you giving into? Low Self-Esteem. Believe in yourself even…