This past weekend, I went to the movie theatre with my family. We went to see Bridge of Spies. By the end of the movie, it had me thinking. I cannot live my life in fear when there are people out there that are actually living in fear. Day in and day out, living in fear, not knowing if they will make it. In the darkness of life, and simply not knowing. I have never been in that place, environmentally at least, and so watching this film bothered me. How is it possible that I can allow myself to live in fear, mentally, in the best of circumstances?

The mind is all too powerful. For me, it takes persistent strength to turn fearful thoughts into thoughts of gratitude and thankfulness. Because when it's all gone, I don't want to look back only to remember fearing the loss of the very thing I cherished. I want to remember the memories of sweet living. I want to devote this power of my mind to only a life of extraordinary gratitude and reside in the constant, unwavering peace; the peace that is here with me even when I don't recognize it. Peace as simple as knowing what tomorrow is going to bring; despite the things I have no control over. I have a good idea of what tomorrow will bring and for some living in today's world, just an 'idea' would be a gift from heaven.

So I realize that fear is not here, with me. I am not fearful of tomorrow. And I can't be, because there are people who have made this emotion home. And I understand.

In this place and in this moment that I will let persist within me, I have a thanks inside of me that is simple; for I dream of freedom and of a better life for those who have lost hope.

Alex