I believe in smiling at passersby on the street or in the hallway,
softly for strangers,
with teeth for acquaintances, and
with hugs for friends.
I believe in calling loved ones regularly,
telling them ‘I love you’
and being specific about why.
I believe in writing long letters and emails
and hitting send,
so that people can reread magnificent things about themselves
when they need it most.
I believe in taking time to pray and ponder,
but also taking time to act and affect.
I believe in diving in headfirst
instead of dipping a toe,
having faith in the depth of the water
to keep me safe –
to surround me –
to bring me back to the surface.
I believe in trusting people,
Until they prove otherwise,
and then I believe in second chances
and third chances
and fourth.
I believe in being the best version of myself
and forgiving myself when I fail.
I believe in family time,
friend time,
self time.
I believe in adventures that take place across the world
and adventures that take place in the living room.
I believe in loving and loving and loving and not stopping, not ever stopping. 
