"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This thought has been of particular inspiration to me...I have been overwhelmed by New York lately. SO many people on the subway, angry, disrespectful to space, no reverence really to others. And even if this is blind naivity or false hope, I miss the Midwest. There are days I just dont want to endure it. I remember a year or so ago I wrote how spiritually enlightening the subway is. However, when youth have never learned social manners, no awareness that the world is something we share, people with hate and misery in their eyes, blatant disregard for others space and your life, then enough is enough. Why does this seem so rampant in New York? I didnt notice this in Illinois or Des Moines. Is the Midwest truly a place that is graced and protected, or is it just in a bubble? Is it correct to state that life in the Midwest is better than New York, or at least tons more peaceful. I keep telling people that in comparison to Los Angeles I am glad I am here on the east coast, but it seems equally 'empty' here at times. My friend reminded me that Marianne Williamson says that these people have just forgotten who they truly are, that we all our unconditional love and it is our job to remind each other. But sometimes I simply see hatred and disregard. Are people just bred this way? I have moments too, however to be consumed with it. Ralph Waldo Emersons quote seems more relevant than ever.

And now the Hurricane in Texas..makes my problems seem unimportant. I have been going about my life blind really to Louisiana and Texas and I need to do something to help. Enough talk, and BE the solution to the problem. Lots on my mind today...