By Loryn Nieto, TIWP student

Sometimes we need try to be good. We need to swallow our pride and open our eyes to the world.

We’re all tired. We’re all frustrated. We’re convinced “it’s not worth it.”

Sometimes we need to make it worth it.

We have to give because to give is to get.

We have to love because love is the closest thing we have to magic.

Our grip can be so tight, our knuckles are white, our bruises are blue, and we’re thrashing in the wind—because we’re holding on too long to the uncertain, because maybe the longer we cling to it, the more certain it’ll become.

It’s time to let go and know you’ll be alright.

We will look into the eyes of the world and admire the shimmering specks of goodness.

We will reach deep into ourselves and find loud peace and gentle gratitude to replace the hollow darkness.

We will shine the flashlight and candles inward—because there’s good and bad in all of us.

Now is the time to be good.