Liz Esquirol

Buddha Balboa

Paris in Pain

November 14, 2015

The Paris terrorist attacks yesterday are nothing short of heartbreaking.  I question – why do we live in such a world where people can perpetrate such horrific acts of violence?  How is this possible?  Why?

Beyond the obvious answers – of radicalism and evil – we are still left questioning  why would anyone do such unthinkable things as to murder innocents?  What is going on?  What type of sickness invades the human mind and heart?

These types of events shake us – and can, if we let them – rattle us to our core.  They can break our spirits if we allow them.  And that is where the difference between good and evil, if you will, comes into play.  Good will prevail.  There is goodness, and compassion, and love and strength in this world – and these virtues are stronger than any darkness.  The light always finds its way in – no matter how hard the darkness tries to blanket it.

There are no answers right now.  And ultimately, they are irrelevant.  All we can do is be strong for those in pain and move forward with courage.

 

Buddha Balboa

Life is like a roller coaster…

The fictional character Forrest Gump said “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”  And this is true.  We can all identify with that sentiment because more often than not, life does treat us to unforeseen events – we don’t know what we’re gonna get.

Chocolates, yes – but I see life like a roller coaster, with dips and trips at every bend.

The roller coaster phenomenon is an either/or proposition – it’s met with either a squeal of glee or an inaudible tightened grimace.  It inspires excitement as much as it instills fear.  When we are children, the mere thought of a roller coaster ride is like that of being offered a candy bar – sweet and adrenaline producing.  Kids have little to no fear of being tossed around like a corked bottle in an angry sea.

Quotables

This is your life

This is your life.  No – not the old-time TV series – your real, flesh and blood, life.  Live it the way you want.

“If you do not have a plan for your life, someone else will.”  – Fortune cookie

Buddha Balboa

Manifesto

Since I constantly research and study what defines success and happiness, it amazes me it took me until today to come across The Holstee Manifesto.   Three friends sat together on the steps of Union Square and came up with this declaration – (made in NYC – awesome!) – to have something to reflect upon.  Suffice it to say, a lot of people connect with it and have made the manifesto a success all its own.  I find it a wonderful reminder to be creative,  stay curious, and follow my heart.

What’s your manifesto?