we all want to be living proof, too.

Sometimes I like to take a few hours out of my day to simply think. Lay paralyzed, listening to music of some sort and just allow my mind to have a little recess. Today as I laid on my bed, listening to the invigorating voices of Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk's "Paperweight," I began to reflect on the idea of soulmates. It's so cliche, yet very original.

When I was little, I could have sworn on Santa's life that every person had a soulmate, but now I just believe it because it just feels right to believe it. The idea that every person has someone that completes them- now that's beauty in its purest form. Some may disagree with me, but why not believe in something so profound? I have an aunt and uncle who are soulmates; they're living proof that they exist. I also know other couples who are living proof that even if they do exist, most will never exist together. It happens all the time: too early, too late, and sometimes and most frequently, never at all.

But then again, maybe soulmates also come in different forms. They come in lovers, best friends, sisters, brothers, colleagues. A wise Aristotle once said,"Friendship is one soul dwelling in two bodies," and I think he was correct. The one person that completely understands you for you. The one person that does something a little extra for your life. I believe, that, within itself is enough to convince anyone.

A few weeks ago, the news showcased a couple that had been married for several years, not knowing each other prior to meeting in their early, adult years. One day the man came across a photo that was taken of him at a theme park when he was about 5 years old. In the background, walking with her mother, he noticed a familiar face. That familiar face was now his wife. Never had they imagined that earlier in their lives, they had crossed paths. It's funny to think that walking down the street, you pass thousands of strangers, but you could be passing your soulmate, your potential spouse. Fate works in interesting ways: the story of the photograph proves it, as well as gives us romantics hope that one day we can be a living proof, too.

evolved

The seasons change.
The days change.
The nights change.
People also change.

Normally I'm an advocate of change, for it signifies new beginnings and growth in one's life, but sometimes change is one's worst enemy. Today I had lunch with my two best friends: note the "best" part. It was like any other typical day, but as we all three sat around the table, struggling for conversation, we were each at a loss of words, at a loss of interest, seeming as though we had a loss of friendship. After being apart for a year, significant change had occurred in each of us, forcing the unthinkable question of whether or not change had made such an impact that we no longer were compatible. How could one year change us so much that we no longer could muster up interesting conversation over something as measly as a lunch time sandwich? For 4 years we have had numerous ones: conversations and lunches, but today we were strangers... just three, insignificant people eating together.

Maybe my mind overanalyzed what had happened, but my gut tells me I didn't. As I drove back to work, I couldn't help but allow tears to stain my cheeks. And what's more is that I didn't freely choose change, this time.

Thanks, Lady G.

I never thought I would say this, but Lady GaGa has inspired me. Don't get me wrong, she has incredible talent that no doubt captivates millions, but I feel as though Lady GaGa and I are on different ends of the spectrum, so to speak. However, today as I clicked my way through one of my many daily Facebook breaks, I ran across this quote from her:

“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.”

I would just like to say that I love this quote. Seriously, dive a little under the surface and you can see what beauty there is in it. When I read this, I immediately thought of how people are constantly telling me to find something passionate to do with my life, and I thank God that he has blessed me with that insight already. I don't feel that GaGa is trying to say that if you want to accomplish your dreams, you aren't allowed to fall in love and be happy, but I think she used that extreme to make a point: at the end of the day, your passions will never give up on you, or abandon you; they will stick with you when everything else fails. Of course I want to have a great love story and marry the man of my dreams- you know, all that cliche stuff that Disney filled our heads with, but I'm also extremely career driven, which some would think conflicts with Disney's happy ever after. The key is learning to balance the two, so that when you wake up in the morning, not only do you have someone who loves you, but a career in which you love when the afternoon presents itself.

Just recently I purchased a wooden block for my apartment that was inscribed: "Obey thy heart," quoted from the beloved Emerson. This, I feel, encompasses every word Gaga said in her quote. These days settling is a common trend that so many people frequently bandwagon, and it's honestly sad. No matter what you venture into in life, you should always remember to follow your heart, for it is pure and truthful and will never set you astray, nor disappointed.