The saying goes: Living well is its own reward.

It gets thrown around when capitalistically wealthy people are talking about being capitalistically wealthy. However, it's never sounded like a money quote to me.

During my short, thirty-odd years on the planet, "living well" has always implied authenticity and happiness to me. When I was in high school, my parents were chastising me about something and they asked me, "What do you want?" in the exasperated tone they seemed to preserve for our interactions. I replied, "I want to be happy." My father quipped, "Everybody wants that, but it's not possible." My mother agreed.

Yay for my parents. Adding the pressure of misery to another soul.

That moment was one of my life-altering moments, though. In that moment, I saw that I could not look to them for an example of how to live. In that moment, I understood that I was alone in this world. In that moment, I began to live with purpose.

People say that everyone needs Haters. Haters help motivate you, keep you pushing for success. I don't like that mentality, but I understand it.

My parents are the force that keep me striving. I look upon my memories of them and vow to never turn out like them: miserable, sad, faithless. Because that's all it takes--faith. A little goes a long, long way. I used to say that the fact that I am forever hopeful and have a ton of faith is my only weakness. Now, I recognize that having faith and hope are signs of strength so great, even water couldn't wear it away. And, water's some powerful stuff.

I live well.

I'm not monetarily well-endowed, but I'm rich. Every day, I get up and decide to be the best me I can be. And, I succeed, because even when I'm in my Shadow Self, I am great. It takes a lot of authenticity and skill to be the meanest broad on Earth. I do it with pride.

I live well.

I don't always know exactly what to say, but I'm honest. And, when I speak, I speak from my heart. I speak with the intention of the purest sort of communication. Hear me and I hear you and we listen and grow. Together.

I live well.

I'm scarred, but scars are just proof that you've been alive. Life happens to us sometimes and that's nothing to be afraid of. Scar me, tear me up, rip me open. Just know that I'll keep breathing and striving and living. Even when you see me in the open casket...don't count me out. The life and faith and hope within me is too strong to succumb to Death.

I live well.

Because that's the only way I know how.