Eddie Pinero

We don't celebrate with statues people that blended in, that did nothing extraordinary, that didn't push themselves out of the box.

No, it's a willingness to step into what didn't quite make sense yet, which is heavy as you're making that step.

It's not lost on me that the things that mean the most are the scariest in the moment.

The things that call to us simultaneously terrify us.

It's like the cost of admission.

You want the most out of this life?

Fine.

You have to be willing when you step up to that line,

Your knees shake and your palms sweat to step forward regardless.

It's an acceptance that confusion isn't a sign you're lost.

It's often a sign you're early.

And as time goes by, there emerges this certain kind of peace.

I guess it only shows up in hindsight, right?

It's not the peace of comfort.

It's the peace of alignment.

The peace that comes from knowing you didn't betray yourself.

The closest I've ever been to heaven wasn't in moments of ease.

It was in moments where I chose something true.

before I knew it would work, before it was popular, before it was safe, before it was understood.

Moments no one else could see, but I could.