User:Ben137ny

Greetings, fellow Wikipedia users!
My name is Ben, and I'm from New York. Although I have spent a great deal of my time in many other places (Denver being my favorite among them), the Empire/Taxation State has been where I've done most of my growing up, so to speak. Born in L.A., now recently residing in Salt Lake City, my life has been a learning experience to say the least. I'm not implying that I have a whole lot of knowledge to impart, but I can tell you where to go to gain some wisdom. Making mistakes, errors in judgement, stupid choices, spontaneous outbursts and irrational decisions has lead me to find out a whole lot about myself and the world we all share. I'm happy to be here. Life is a gift, everyday of it. I'm glad that you're here, too, and I hope you can see your time here for the miracle that it is. My goal in life is in a constant state of revision, but the gist of it is: Make every interaction with everyone you meet a positive one. Life is too short to do anything else, and the undeniable truth is that the only things you really get to keep are the things you give away.

Don't judge me, monkey!
I'm brand-spankin' new to the editing and writing side of Wikipedia, but I feel it is the right thing to do to pitch in. Wikipedia has clarified countless inquiries for me. It is one of the best resources the world has today, and its all free! I look forward to the day when I'm able to contribute financially, but until then I will do what I can. I'm always looking to learn! All this HTML, research, references, I'm still getting the knack of it. So please, I formally invite you to give me some constructive feedback! I love to learn, but to grow I need to know what I'm missing. All I ask is for understanding in my mistakes. It happens to the best of us, and I know I'm not a member of that group.

Say "Hi"!
I'm new to the community, so a friendly "Hello" goes a long way. You can even bring cookies! I love interacting with people, and I try my best to listen and to put as much positive energy out there as I can. Any opportunity to do so is very much appreciated. From having a bad day or being upset about the economy, to needing to tell someone about who you kissed last night or how much you love trees, I'm all ears. Try me.

Honesty, Chivalry, Loyalty
This is what is inscribed on my body, but more importantly on my soul. Sounds cheesy, I know, but sometimes a little cheese is a good thing.

Hear with your ears; Listen with your heart.
This is a thought that occurred to me a few years ago. I've lived by it since. I'd love to have it published in some sort of quote book for others to reflect on.

Que sera, sera.
Frankie sang it, so it must be true. Whatever will be, will be. You alone have the choice, to make the best of it, or to fight against it. Personally, I prefer to fight it into the best.

Love.
It's free. Don't be fooled by anyone who says differently. Give it all away and you'll find that you have even more. Keep it all for yourself and one day you won't have any. If that day ever finds you, don't worry, because...

EVERYONE needs a second chance.
Did I say everyone? Because I meant EVERYONE. And not even a second chance, sometimes a third or forth, seventeenth or eighteenth. The heart is a wonderful thing. It changes people. I've been a different person before, but without those people who were willing to give me another chance (whether I "deserved it" or not), I would be at a loss. Everyone deserves it, and if not, that isn't our call to make. You'll need it someday, they might need it today. Give freely, receive more. We're all here together.

Remember
The only things you get to keep in life are the things you give away. Stay sweet, Wikipedia.