here is not a great deal I could say here that one would not construe from reading some of my entries. Indeed, by reading some of my inner thoughts, my perspective on events that happen in my life, and in the world around me, one can get a much clearer vision of the man that Highlands is.

Yet, what lay beneath that perspective? What motivates me to think and feel all that I do? What is the foundation for my writing?

I am a spiritual man. I believe that we all enter this world with something to learn, and for our soul's ability to ascend to a higher level of consciousness, it is paramount to learn that lesson. Usually, the reoccurring obstacles that cause one perpetual grief in life are connected to the lesson that needs to be learned, and we are aided both by those that are in our lives, and by spirits that stay with us and guide us through our journey. Above all, I believe that it is impossible for one to grow spiritually if he or she is in abject denial about the impact that he or she has on other beings, the planet, and the universe.

I am a passionate man about a great many things: spirituality, politics, poverty, animal rights, the well being of those that I love and love me in return, to name a few. People around me may not think this to be true, for at a very early age I was taught that there was a price for expressing the deep feelings that I have about that which moves me, saddens me, angers me. I have developed a very stoic demeanor which is at times in great contrast to what is happening inside. There is a marked difference between articulating my thoughts about an issue and expressing how I feel about it.

I am a critical thinker; I philosophize. I view the world in opposition to mainstream ideology. While this has served to marginalize me at times, I give thanks everyday to those in my life that accept that this is the way I am, that being left of left is where I chose to be, and love me anyway.

I am a worshiping man. I worship the beauty that can be found in all life. I worship that which provides life. I long for the day when there is a balance between the two once more.

I write that I may be reminded of these things; I write in hopes that someone may remember.