It's only after we've lost everything, that we're free to do anything. – Tyler Durden

Last night was another torrential downpour that jolted me awake at 3am with the constant pounding of the rain on the metal roof above me. Looking across the room as our light was still on, Marc was also awake from the constant noise and in our silent communication neither of us can believe the amount of noise that is produced from rain bouncing off of sheet metal. But all in all I am thankful for the shelter that is keeping me dry, even in spite of the spontaneous waterfalls that develop through the holes in the ceiling and create pools on the cement floor. I have learned that all you can do is laugh at the situations you find yourself in and the conditions that you grow accustom to in spite of where you live because if you take things too seriously and are unable to find the humor in the most unlikely of situations life will eventually defeat you through a steady decline into a life that is spent being tolerable when in fact it should be enjoyable. I feel as though that my personality has always been focused on being a more positive person regarding situations and circumstance, and traveling has loosened me up by magnifying my ability to be more expressive. It’s when we are able to let go of everything that becomes a distraction in our life that can we stop and refocus on the important things in life–those that can be eternal. The challenge is to stop yourself from caring about things that are not worth caring about and stressing over so that you can be free to live. Live for something besides yourself, your next new car, or your next weekend out, but experience living to a degree that will surpass your own ambitions and allow life to be simple.