Whenever I am lonely, or questioning the state of the world.. I think of all the people I have crossed paths with that have changed me. The stranger in the hospital waiting room, who hugged me so fiercely- without any words, when she heard me call home to say that my friend wouldn't be making it through the night. The coach who believed in me when even I didn't. The family I found in New York, who took care of me without expectations. The clients who shared their story with me, with trust and courage I didn't even know existed.. And I'm comforted by the thought that I have something to live up to. I might not always hit the mark, but just the trying gives me hope. -Erin Forquer

The paths we take sometimes lead us away from people we know and love,

but in the end....

What matters is that we affect 

the lives of others for the better. 

Somehow..

Whoever we are,

Whatever our story.

But if you are able to let 

Yourself love honestly and 

Without fear,

Then maybe that 

Huge heart you have,

WILL SOMEHOW SET YOU

FREE. 

-BBC's 'The Body Farm'

Love is dangerous. It is also, unfortunately, as necessary as oxygen- despite the risk. And despite the pain. -Erin Forquer

There is far more in this world that, when it comes down to it, doesn't make any sense. Cruelty. Abuse. Inequality. Too many things to name here and now. Perhaps the only way we can make any sense of it is to change whatever it is we can change. Make your own world, even if the world hasn't earned entrance to it yet. It's the only way to make it a better place after you're gone. -Erin Forquer

Quote: Miranda July

Ironic isn't a strong enough word to illuminate the difference between the expected and actual outcome of my life. It's ironic that I've spent my entire life striving for my next accomplishment- a degree- the two letters after my name, then the third.. How silly I was to think that any of that mattered. It's ironic that the truth is- all that really matters is finding something to do with your life that matters to someone else. It took talking someone off a ledge to realize this, but, ironically, in the end I was the one who was saved -Erin Forquer

You might hate parts of your past.. you might think they make you weaker than others. But by the sheer act of surviving them, enduring through the painful, or even shameful parts.. that is what makes you infinitely stronger than those who have been privileged with an "easier" life. It's a blessing and a curse. But it is also, undoubtedly, all the evidence you will ever need of your own strength. -Erin Forquer