I was driving to and from different meetings for work yesterday, I was really stressed out because I was late because there was so much traffic, my mind was worried and fixed on how much trouble I was going to get into and if I was going to pass a site visit I had to take at work, so much going on and no peace in my heart. I noticed in the morning that there were about 60 cars all lined up heading to a funeral with their hazards on, then around lunch time when I was rushing to my next meeting the same occurred - a line of cars all heading to a funeral, during early evening when I finally was headed towards my final site for work, again I saw this line up of cars heading toward a funeral and at that moment I thought to myself I don't even want to begin to imagine what those individuals are facing right now in their loss of someone whom they loved. What does it matter if I get in trouble for work, or if I am late, or if someone out there is not satisfied with my best effort, what does it matter what happens and it's truly none of my business to try to figure out what is to come for the future. In that moment I realized how grateful I was for being alive, for being mostly healthy, having amazing friendships, loved ones, an amazing following in my writing, family, warmth, a place to call home, my furry pets, employment, my tummy was full, amazing coworkers who I am honored to call family and when it comes down to it - I am so blessed it's ridiculous. Sometimes we take can get caught up in all hustle and bustle of life and forget to stop and recognize just how truly blessed we really are. ~Will "Story" Rivera

Perseverance against great odds and against the criticism of others is the very hallmark of value-based idealism, as is refusing to accept failure. The understanding that we hold in our hands the power to change a life, a mind, or a circumstance today – right now – is a powerful insight and motivator for any soul to have. At the same time, act of compassion and selflessness, have the power to unite others to act, and sometimes gain numbers significant enough to make a major or even complete impact on the problem at hand. It is our social responsibility to lead the way through our actions - into changing our world, inspiring others to lead and being a living example. ~Will "Story" Rivera