My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some

compassion, some humor, and some style.

-

Maya Angelou

As I walk through life, I try to do so with compassion. I do not judge, if I do not understand, nor do I
tolerate those who discriminate based on tabooed societal norms. I believe that all humans have a right to
respect, and compassion. And that no person is better than the other based on class, gender, sexuality or
any other barrier that may cause injustice.
My personal philosophy is rooted in three main concepts. The first of which is respecting others. The
second, respecting the environment in which you live. And finally, respecting our own mind and body. I
believe that these three simple ideas can lead humankind to a brighter future, as we pull ourselves from
the war ridden, hatred, and pollution we have created for ourselves.
As a millennial, I have not seen a world without war, without hate, or inequality and bias. I have watched
first hand, enmity be dealt to entire races. I have watched children, socialized to believe that hostility is a
norm, tair one another to shreds. We are on the brink of World War 3, some even saying that the nuclear
apocalypse has already begun. Yet, people are still not recognizing that there is cause for permanent
change.
As we pierce our earth with oil well, after coal factory, after multibillion dollar hotel. We suck the maro
out of the very planet which sustains us. Without this planet we will all die. Yet still, the ignorance of
humans has pushed as past a point of no return.
If that still is not cause for change look at your children, brothers, sisters. Do you not see their pain?
Because as social media has become a multi billion dollar industry, our psyche has been reduced to an
iota of what it used to be. Pictures of girls in bikinis, and motorcycles, and materialistic values will not
make you happy. Creating a mirage that you are better than someone else, will not bring you meaning.
Because in the end, you just have to ask yourself, how much is my sanity worth?
So I beg you, to join me on my search for happiness. My search that has nothing to do with money or
popularity or getting more. My search for happiness relies on three principles. Compassion, and hope for
a better future, for every single living organism, drives my purpose. My happiness and meaning come
from knowing that I am no better than the grass under my feet, and for this understanding I am grateful.