Mutual

My mother always told me, "start something the way you want to finish it." I have applied that bit of wisdom to most of my relationships. I am aware that sometimes circumstances spiral out of control. Things happen. Life happens. People grow apart. Intentions are misunderstood. Emotions are miscommunicated. Sometimes, an apology is not enough. The damage is done. However, there are occasions when your affinity towards someone is mutual. You are equally vested in making the relationship work. You are both willing to take the risk and be emotionally vulnerable. Love is not just about being mutually exclusive. "Love is an attempt at penetrating another being, but it can only succeed if the surrender is mutual."- Octavio Paz

Humanity

What does it mean to be human? Does it mean that we were formed from the dirt or that we evolved from apes? Does it mean that we are not prone to be instinctual, but simply intellectuals? Humanity is defined by benevolence.  Humanity is our the collective experience on Earth. Humanity is not a singular experience. It is about love and compassion toward others.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” 
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

Tandem

I've always wanted to ride a tandem bike. It's basically a bike for two people. Growing up, our version of a tandem bike was riding on the handlebars. It required a great deal of balance and trust. First time skydivers jump in tandem with a skilled instructor. They get to experience all the thrills of skydiving without the responsibility of opening the parachute. Relationships and friendships require you to live in tandem. They require balance and trust. You must work together to achieve a common goal. Life is better when it's lived in tandem.