A few days ago a friend asked me how I could support the troops and wear a peace sign necklace every day. The question is reasonable, and my answer is simple.

Peace is defined differently by different people.

Here's why I wear the peace sign:

Peace is impossibility. I live by impossibilities. I love the challenge. Keeping a mind closed off and separated because of what is "possible" seems like such a waste of brain power and thought processes. Peace fits into that category. It would never be possible for every person to live in peace with one another, it is not human nature, but that's why peace is hope.

Peace is individualistic. I am supporting internal peace. This includes loving who I am, loving my body, loving me. I am at peace with who I am and I will never fight it again. The peace sign is a reminder to live every day as if it was my last, and to love who I am and what I am doing and where I am going at any given moment. Keeping peace in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul keeps me alive. It is hopefulness of a better day and dreams of a greater tomorrow for myself and for everyone I know.

Peace is forgiving. It is understanding that the world isn't and never will be perfect. It is coming to terms with the flaws of social society and the communities we all live in. Peace is forgiving one another and taking a bold step forward instead of three steps back.

Peace is patient. If I feel hesitant, unsure, hopeless or lost, I know if I wait it out, all that will end. I am patient with myself, with my mind, and with my heart. Peace is being calm and knowing when to give up and let things work themselves out, but having the power to decide when those instances present themselves.

Peace is bold. Peace is uncharacteristically loud. The idea stands out, it's refreshing, it's old. The idea of peace is timeless, because it is never ending, and just so far out of reach. Peace is something to strive for, to hope for, and to breathe for. It makes me an individual, it makes me different, at least to myself. Peace speaks louder than any other mechanism of a quiet world. It is universally known, unanimously reached for, and a continuous struggle.

It is everything I am, everything I hope to be, and everything I want.
That's why I wear it around my neck.
Not for the fad, not for the look, and not for the attention.
It is for me.
It is for my world.
It is for hope.