I AM

we are all paradoxical, contradictions. to be one thing, we have to have the awareness of what it is to be the other. the things we dislike about others are within us. the things we admire about another, that we think we don't possess, are also within us. we are quick to praise, creating imaginary pedestals, putting ourselves down, forgetting that what is there is also here. we are quick to judge, to point fingers, forgetting that the exact thing we are judging and shaming is a position we, too, have once been in.

the universe and life's cycle shows us this. it's all relative. you are trash to someone, yet the most prized treasure to another. the hero in one's story, the villain in another's. we aim to be the "good," yes, but we all have had our fair shares of operating as the "bad," too. we did what we thought was best at the time until learning better.

imagine: there is someone else doing that exact same thing. there is no "ahead of" or "better than" when we think this way. the journey is unique to the traveler. embrace the all. extend grace.

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"I AM

creative destructive succeeding failing brave fearful strong weak living dying proud humble a friend an enemy consistent sporadic colorful dull a dream a nightmare peaceful chaotic harmless threatening playful serious warm cold selfless selfish smooth rough stable unhinged productive idle loved despised inspiring disappointing empathetic apathetic spiritual physical the hero the villain lasting temporary intelligent ignorant the teacher the student light darkness orderly disruptive animated monotonous inviting reserved free bound hopeful doubtful me you everything nothing"