What does it mean to live a colorful life? In my mind, upon asking the question, there is an image conjured of a man or woman who has experienced many ups and downs. And, generally, we tend to view such a life with honor and admiration.

Why? Why do we appreciate someone who's been through hell and lived to talk about it?

Perhaps, a reasonable explanation is that we want all the bad as much as we want the good. I drive this point home so poignantly because much of our time (especially in America) is spent complaining about what we are doing. And right now, during this time in history, we are evolving into something magnificent. Within my own being I feel compelled to search within my own psyche as well as my soul and find an explanation as to why I and my fellow humans do the things we do. Furthermore, I feel compelled to express my opinion observation that we are not only here to experience the fullness of our lives but also become the masters of them.

"It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." - William Ernest Henley