people.

i am simply amazed by the people i meet on a daily basis. it seems as though everyone here has taken a giant leap of faith in attempt to achieve greatness {a relative term, i recognize}. sacrifice is definitely a theme weaved through every conversation i have with New Yorkers. after attending the Harlem ward on Sunday, i reevaluated the way i define ambition. we took a few additional moments at the beginning of relief society to do quick introductions. to me, this was the best part of the entire block.

amidst a handful of interns, there were aspiring actresses, culinary artists, fashion "extraordinaires," opera singers, nurses, prison guards, teachers, etc. maybe i'm a culprit of naitivity {i take it that i am, tho i try not to fall too victim to this} but man, people are brave. to many, the rationality of many of these sisters may have been lacking--to move here on a whim, no connection, no security, nothing--however, i looked at these women and thought how wonderful and brave they are.  it can be scary, in fact it is scary. it is scary to look forward to the future with a giant question mark, hoping that someone will open a window of hope somewhere along your journey.

after marveling over these sisters, i thought to myself, 'how can someone leave everything comfortable and reassuring behind to look forward to an empty slate of unknown, by choice?'

i admire these sisters' strength and independence. i admire the people who forge ahead amidst uncertainty and doubt. i hope, while i'm here, to learn their ways and become more like them. i just hope my incessant questions won't stray too many people away:)

note to self: live by the 20-second rule:

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” 

-We Bought A Zoo