Han

I just got back from dinner with some family friends. They are well traveled people who piqued my excitement for the adventure ahead. But more than that I have been reminded of the good people in the world. Even though in five days I will be 4,000 miles from home, I feel much more confident in my abilities to cope with the challenges ahead. I had an interesting conversation with my mom on the way home about how I have a generally optimistic attitude towards life. I fought that nature for years as a way of protecting myself from the pain that comes from allowing ones self to be so raw. I love this quote by Anne Frank,

I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.

It is who I am. Even though some times it feels like I can't believe what I am thinking, I really do believe that despite all of the awful things that happen in this world, people are innately good. In the midst of one of the most challenging times in my life, in many ways a sad time, a difficult time, I really do feel hope.

It reminds me of another line from The West Wing. If I understand it correctly I think it comes close to how I feel right now. It is President Bartlett's interpretation of the Korean word "Han."

There is no literal English translation. It's a state of mind. Of soul, really. A sadness. A sadness so deep no tears will come. And yet still there's hope.

Man, I need a hug.