Sometimes even when you try to do something good, someone always gets hurt. Sometimes it is so hard to see the beauty in this life when there is so much pain and ugliness. How does one keep striving for goodness when sorrow is thrown so violently into one’s face? For some, it is so easy to throw in the towel and give up. For others, they fight through the trauma. They keep pushing forward, striving for change and for better. What differentiates them from the former? Some say it is a good support system. While there are some that say it is God. Still, others believe it is this innate strength that can only be found within. Maybe it is a combination of all three. Or maybe, it is just the luck of the draw. I try not to judge and I try to love unconditionally. I do this because the “other" person could have easily been me or even you. I hope if I was in that situation that someone would show me some empathy and compassion. Does it mean I trust everyone? Of course not. I am not inviting these hurt individuals into my house and home necessarily, but I am willing to try to see past the dirt and grime to see the person’s inner beauty. Will I change everyone? Once again, of course not. I am but one human, but it doesn't mean I can't try to ease someone else’s pain and suffering, even if for a brief moment. It keeps me humble and grounded. It is a constant reminder of what I have and to remind me to be thankful, even through the hard times of my life. It reminds me to be thankful for what I have, no matter how little I currently have, nor what a mess my life might seem at the moment. Life is good and in the famous words of my two year old niece, I am reminded of this everytime she asks me, tia, how was your good day? How can I not see that every day I am alive and able to help those less fortunate is a good day to be alive indeed!