"In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days." I smile every time I think about the neighborhood where I grew up. Although it was not always a happy place to be, there are so many memories. Memories, both good and bad, of the those things that shaped the person I am today. I'm reminded that no matter what path we choose in life, we can not forsake the humble beginnings.

One of the happiest memories I have is going around to my friend's house on a regular basis. Let me know tell you why. Her mom made the BEST pitcher of Kool-Aid. EVER. Yes, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to make Kool-Aid. This particular person knew the right way. She used the right number of packets and the perfect amount of sugar. She knew just how to get that Kool-Aid smile to show up every time someone took a sip.

Do you remember that Kool-Aid smile?

It's the kind of smile that is big and bright. It is  magnetizing. When you see tha…

I thought the pain was unbearable. I could not think clearly. My mind was scrambled. I could not breathe. The tears were flowing from my eyes. I wanted to give up. I wanted to throw in the towel. It started with a broken heart. Then it extended to physical pain. A migraine. Anxiety. Back pains. Chest pains.

This emotional and physical pain transferred into anger. I wanted the pain to end. I wanted to take back everything that was taken from me. I wanted revenge. I wanted the perpetrator to pay.

Then it happened. The thoughts went away. The pain became bearable.

How we handle the pain we experience is up to us. A line from the movie "There are two kinds of pain in this world, pain that hurts and pain that alters."

Drop a comment and let me know how pain has been equalized in your life.