This summer has taught me a lot so far. It’s hard to believe July is already ending and I’m another year older. I’ve spent so much of my 29 years shying away from and shutting away my kinder instincts. In the name of survival, addiction, professionalism. But this summer I’ve let kindness – others’ and my own – just absolutely flood me. I accept compliments with a sincere thank you, put others’ happiness and safety before my own, and I feel a sort of grace that I’ve never known. Perhaps it’s my working in fields of human rights, equality, and love full time, but I’m really enjoying it. What has this summer taught you?

“Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you’ve got about a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, babies—God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.” – Kurt Vonnegut