Carlos Wallace

Dozens of days, experiences, and encounters have set me on a path I never dreamed possible.

Staring down the reality of war, far from home, asleep among strangers, that familiarity, those memories, those ties kept us going; gave us a reason to persevere; toughened us up.

The seriousness of being part of Operation Desert Storm-the first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War- was never lost upon us.

Think of the principle as that precise moment you recall everything that makes you love that person: the number of times your partner makes you smile, comforts and supports you. During those times dig deep and shift your focus from whatever bad is happening today, at this minute, and appreciate every other day, hour and second that person spends being __he one.

To be fearlessly vulnerable with someone_One of the deepest, most desirable paradoxes of love.

Love is a two-way street, but not everyone deserves a license.

Connect with someone on a deeper level_mentally, spiritually, emotionally_and your soul will transcend the height of ecstasy.

Never be afraid to love. Just be careful who you love.

Occupy your thoughts with purpose and you will be so busy pursuing a meaningful future there will be no time for doubt, chaos and disappointment.

Keep your eyes and your mind open. Don__ be blinded by filters like fear, uncertainty, pessimism and negativity.

Nothing will ever be solved if we wallow in the darkness of denial.

Never let fear of short term heartache interfere with your long term happiness.

Don't be managed by the likelihood of mishaps. Be motivated by the promise of favor!

Ultimately, it__ about determining what matters most to you; what__ important; what it will take to achieve your intended goal. And once you__e identified these key components to growth, shed the excess; do away with the unnecessary.

No matter how worldly I became, there was always that one part of me that never forgot where I came from and how simple life was there.

Don't let life's challenges discourage you. Some things are just out of your control. Make it work for you! The most painful lessons of the past can teach you how to survive in the present .

No one should gain access to the important areas of your life if you are not absolutely sure they are there for good reason.

Trying to change someone to suit your desires is a setup for disappointment.