No matter where you go or what you pursue, strive to always live with integrity. Never lose track of who you are or what you stand for.

 Author: Kristine R. McCracken 

Beautifully colored skin, gorgeous dark eyes and fingers stretched wide across an instrument that is new to my vocabulary; the image of Anoushka Shankar represents the true icon of individuality. Like Anoushka we all have a story of our own. From the very beginning we strive to create our mark in the world, establish our identity, and in some way, break away from the other seven billion.

When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture life passes as quickly as the breeze on a stormy day. We all have a place in the world but sooner or later we will move on to a better life, our name will slowly be forgotten, our worth will be meaningless and the surrounding world will continue on without us. It may sound dismal but I think this lesson makes us truly think about our individual meaning and purpose in our life.

Being a twenty-something I am still trying to define my identity. I no longer categorize myself by the group of friends that I hang out with or the lunch table that I sit at. Nineteen years and 10 months later I am finally beginning to see the real me shine through. Everyone faces struggles. Life is a rollercoaster. But, if we stick to the words of Anoushka; accept our story, view life as a journey full of surprises, love and share life with others, and live out our inner self, our life will be overflowing with purpose and meaning.

Now it is your mission to share your story with others. Be proud of who you are, where you are from and who you are becoming each and every day. Take life as it comes and persevere through challenges. Right now my prayers go out to a family friend who is battling with cancer. A beautiful woman on the outside with body filled with intoxication. The truth is, is that we are all decaying. The sad reality is, is that it takes moments of longing and despair to figure out the person that lies inside of us. Don't let it take life's downward spiral for you to finally realize how precious life is. I know it sounds so cliché but live out each and every second like it's your last and view life as a journey. Do not loose sight of your identity and stay true to your inner self.