That is possibly one of the hardest questions to answer, for me anyway. I just personally don't know.  I believe and then I don't.  I think it gets harder to make a decision among days of war, AIDS, and child soldiers and you have to wonder why we are all here if this is what our future looks like.  Is God solace to some? Maybe, and thats a good thing, but I believe that it should be personal.  I have had enough of holy wars and enough of religious judgment.  Sometimes I feel like organized religion is ruining the world, however bleak and negative that sounds.  I have never judged others for what they believe in so why should I be judged for what I don't believe in or am doubting. I often think about what  John Lennon said, "I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"  These fantasies may not seem as deserving of recognition as the existence of God, but why not look at them in the same light.  It should be what  you choose to believe is all that matters and never what you think others should believe.  Its hard for me to write about this subject since it has caused so much pain all throughout the world, but maybe someday i'll be able to have an answer that makes sense.

I am inspired everyday by different people and different Ideas and all things inspire me for different reasons.  I'm inspired by my parents everyday they continue living the life they desire and not one designed for them by everyday American convention.  They do not live by labels of republican or democrat, poor or rich, successful or unsuccessful.  They show kindness to animals and people of all kinds.  They play and work and live with equal enthusiasm for each.  I am inspired by my best friend Savanah, who does things beyond her comfort level.  Who rides bikes down huge hills, talks freely to people she's never met before, takes classes shes not used to, and wears her scars proudly.  And by my other best friend Kristyn, who has made a life for herself without the help most young adults of her age get from family.  She is the hardest working 22 year old I have ever had the pleasure to meet and she inspires me everyday by her unfailing work ethic and positive attitude.  I am also inspired by music which brings to life color and magic and emotion.  And by everyday people who define humanity everyday by picking up a piece of litter, opening a door for others, and just by saying "please" and "thank-you" and smile at strangers.  These are just a few of the things that inspire me everyday.

I love having conversations with people willing to talk and drink coffee for hours because the best ideas come from collaboration. Although, strangley, i get some of my best individual ideas in the shower. I think it just clears my mind and i can think clearly. Too bad we haven't come up with water-proof paper because i always forget them!

My dog is the silliest kid in the world.  She is just clueless and its the cutest, funniest thing in the world.  she makes everything better.

Confused, anxious, tired.

I would give the gift of Listening.  Often we feel that our opinions may be the most important and if not put out into the minds of others will be lost forever.  What I recently learned from one of my favorite teachers in college is that we will all have our turn if we offer turns to others as well.  We answer so quickly that we forget to actually Listen to people, process what they are really saying, then formulate a thoughtful answer.  Conversations are not fleeting moments, they take time and consideration.  Conversation with other humans, or even our pets, should be one of our most cherished privileges, so lets learn to do it right.