Força!

Lightning speed! the time paused, I could hear my own heart beating and my breathing stopped.

Have you been in that moment when you are the recipient of not-so-good news, or something unexpected (not good unexpected) happens and you are left in a limbo space?

I had a moment like that, this year. And in the space of a millisecond, I could see the possibilities (kind of like the matrix view of reality) ahead of me.

I had the choice to be this or to be that.

In a single moment, I was transformed.

One day, maybe far away or maybe soon enough, you will look back at those moments of lightning, that shook your core, that pulled the rug under your feet, that made your inner being tremble...with a mix of fear, enthusiasm, courage, fire and all elements on Earth!

You will look back and realize that were those moments that truly changed you forever and shaped you into who you are.

To be honest, life happens and shit happens, but having that inner certainty, determination and focus...that is in our own hands, that is our sole responsibility and our privilege.

Like Shakespeare said, "To be or not to be"...it is all in your own hands. I prefer to look at myself as the rider of my life than the one who gets dragged by life.

So, to all those moments of lightning...here´s to you all!

And if you are going through a difficult time, a chaotic time, or are feeling burdened or saddened...let me give you this word of encouragement: Força! It is a Portuguese word that in street talk can mean "go ahead" (like when waiting in a line and somebody lets you go first), but at the same time (in other contexts) can mean, "strength", or to have the drive to keep moving forward.

Keep moving forward...I know you won´ t regret it.

Cmc.