en(light.)ened

 To define something is to refine it, explain it, shape it, and give it more information or clarity. Tangible objects can be defined much like an artist creates sculpture. Either by adding to something (clay, adding and building something up) or by chipping away (stone sculpture where you remove the excess bits).  Intangible things, like life - are a combination of this, most of the time. The things that define us as people are both adding to our souls and minds, and chipping at our spirit away at the same time.  I have recently experienced this in a very intense and concentrated manner. The massive building up and expansion of personal skills and creativity, building something amazing in an unrealistic timeline without nearly enough resources and then being shattered by an ill-timed critique or material damages, or simple burn-out from 19-hour days for several days straight. This is what defines us. These things that Build and the things that Break. The building and the ...

  Rome wasn't built in a day, they say. Rome was built over many many decades, and the Roman Empire was, at it's height, the most powerful government in the world.  What about my Rome? Will I be leaving a legacy that impacts people all over the world? Will I have such a profound impact on languages, sciences, mathematics and law that for centuries after, most people in the world will be using it? Obviously no. I'm one person - not a powerful empire with a military army that did everything they could to conquer the world. So what about my world? My world is much, much smaller. My world contains my love and my family and my friends. My world is my home, and my work and the things I do that make me happy.  My world is my business - one where I'm setting out to conquer my empire. Can I do it alone? Doubtful. Do I have a militia? No - but I have an army friends and family that think I'm pretty OK, and they support me. This is madness - I fear everyday that my future is g...