I dont normally comment on your posts @lauren just because I don't generally have anything to say. 

However I'll say so thing now, in light of some people's proclivity towards anger and aggression, I wanted to say to that your words are always appreciated and I hear your message. It has brought light into my life and for that I thank you. 

On the topic of your post I want to tell you a story-

When I was boy, my father beat my mother, myself, and my older brother. 
He was full of anger and rage against the world and the people around him. He was never in the wrong and would always pick a fight with anyone who thought to tell him different.

 That rage still consumes him to this day, while it has subsided, he views the world through hate filled glasses.

When I was about 7 he went to prison and I never saw him again. I was raised by my mom, grandmother, and grandfather. 
I learned how to be a man from these three individuals. At least I learned the most about it so far from these individuals  

My grandfather taught me how to treat a woman, my grandmother taught me how to love and how to be kind to people even when you didnt want to. And my Mother taught me to fight for things I believe in.

None of these teachers taught me through words. No they taught me through action. Through stories.

My grandfather treated my grandmother with grace, and reverence, love and respect. He loved her more than his family, and his family was everything to him. 

My grandmother showed me how to accept my faults and move on. She taught me how to respect my body and my mind. She showed me how to be kind to others, even when you don't think that person deserves it.

My mother showed me that if you don't fight for things in this world, if you don't give it your all 100 percent of the time, then you will lose everything you wanted or ever had.

The reason I tell you all of this is because not everyone has influences such as my teachers. They have a harder time understanding. They are like my father, still consumed by his rage. He will die holding on to that anger and that hate. 

Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows and no matter how bright we shine our light there are dark places the light cannot reach. There are souls that are lost in this lifetime and no amount of positive regard will change that for them. 

All we can do, is let our light act as a shield. Reppeling all that would seek to harm us. Defending those who haven't found their light.

Keep spreading your light Lauren, there are people out there that appreciate it.

Thank you for your light.