Yesterday. A close friend lost a parent. I hurt for them. I feel their pain. Tears and every emotion ran from my eyes. Yesterday I noticed all the parking tickets I’ve recieved. Yesterday a student said “they hate me”. I held onto the shame of the thought. The guilt as if I’ve done something wrong. But I know that our experiences by way of awkward communication and the projection of a reality I have no control over is not mine to hold onto. Yesterday a close friend lost a parent. Yesterday it rained all day with grey skin in the sky sweating a cleansing so needed that thunder said thank you for me. Yesterday I almost ran out of gas. Yesterday my battery went dead when I left my lights on. A friend helped me jump start my car helping me avoid an hour wait from triple AAA. Yesterday there was so much traffic that our PYPM event had to begin late. Yesterday I got paid. Yesterday I performed. Yesterday a student said they want to be just like me when they grow up. Yesterday I smiled so hard rainbows sprouted from my spirit. Yesterday I laughed. Yesterday I hugged my Mother. Yesterday I had conversations with a woman I’m going to marry. Yesterday I cried in those conversations. Yesterday I shared my fears with her from the bottom of my stomach. Yesterday I joked. Yesterday I inspired a room full of students with my story. Yesterday I inspired a room full of listeners with the most beautiful set of poems I’ve performed in a while. Yesterday I freestyled a poem about the impact of good parenting. Yesterday I took direction from an educational mentor. Yesterday I discussed marriage with a mentor. Yesterday I practiced humility. Yesterday a close friend lost a parent. I feel their pain. I feel their love. Yesterday I lived. And today I will do the same. Live. Cherish it all. Be thankful. Breathe. And live. Yesterday put everything in perspective.