SCARS ARE THE ROADMAP TO THE SOUL

When we first begin fighting for our dream, we have no experience and make many mistakes. The secret to life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times. So, why is it important to live our personal calling if we are only going to suffer more than other people? Because, once we have overcome the defeats–and we always do–we are filled by a great sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight. We start to live with enthusiasm and pleasure. Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than suffering that is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our soul, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives. – Paulo Coelho

I find myself at one of the most memorable locations of my youth–Paris on the Platte. As I take a moment to relish in all of the fond conversations, laughter, and characters from years past, I am also reminded of the changes that have occurred in this unique downtown neighborhood and it is also a reflection of where I have been, and more importantly where I am going. I heard the quote that I used for the subject matter of this blog in the film The Air I Breath. From the moment it was spoken it has resonated with me in an understanding of the future scars I may endure for the sake of this dream. "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting..." – The Alchemist. Last night, as with most of my free evenings I spend talking with friends, my conversation with Tait lead him to highly recommend this book for me to read. While I am still in the process of reading it, I have already found several wonderful passages that are encouraging, and anyone that seeks to take any type of risk understands that you always welcome those pieces of encouragement. Even in the most unlikely of places and people that I have come across lately, my new perception of the life I am giving up continues to unfold. My personal banker Zach emailed me to tell me that after viewing this site he has been inspired to get out and truly live. This isn't any large secret that is summoned after a dramatic event in life that is reached after years of maturity, but is as simple as the whisper of a dream within your heart. A dream to challenge yourself each day and to live a life that is relevant and personal to you without the extraneous pressures of others. No one has the right to diminish your dream, whatever that may be.