the status quo.

As children, we're told to make the most out of our lives - but what does that really mean? We're encouraged to develop our passions and pursue our dreams, but as we grow we come to realize that passion, often, doesn't bring stability and that our dreams are not always tangible. As children our actions are formed by our curiosity and our emotions, we believe that it is possible for everyone to be happy - as we know no better. As adults our motivations shift, we operate out of fear - scared that who we are, what we do, or how we love wont, ever, be enough. We desperately seek the approval of our peers, start to think that happiness can be bought, and believe that money is the most important driving factor in our lives. Tirelessly, we will embark on our journey through adulthood attempting to satisfy all the societal expectations and pressure we impose on ourselves and others. We'll do things we never thought we would; we will betray, we will deceive, and we will hurt only to later justify our means with our ends. Wouldn't we rather live in a world where compassion and empathy surrounds us, where integrity is still valued, and our character - as society views it - is what defines us? I know I would.