Saturday, September 15, 2012
Adventure awaits as long as you are willing to find it
Today I realized I needed to spend some time outside as recently I've been cooped up indoors far longer then my heart can stand. I decided I was going to walk to the farmer's market with my friend Teagan. It was a beautiful day as we walked outside embracing the sunshine and all the gifts that nature had to offer. As we turned the corner our eyes met a bunch of pinatas hanging in trees at the park just outside my back door. Our ears tuned into the Latino music that was blasting around us and the people enjoying tacos, fajitas, and some delicious looking nachos. The Latino art and film festival was taking place right outside my cottage, offering the perfect opportunity to take every opportunity that life has to give. We listened to the music and all the while I was choreographing a tango dance in my head waiting for the chance to try it out. We stayed for awhile and then journeyed to the farmers market, taking in all of the bright colors that the freshly grown fruits and vegetables were giving off. I managed to buy myself a hot dog, which for some reason I have been craving for the past two weeks. Teagan and I sat down on a bench enjoying the day along with each other's company and decided to walk back a different way then we came. We popped into one of my favorite shops called the bridge, known for selling items that come from around the world and giving the profit back to the country that it came from. As I browsed through the shelves desperately desiring a bracelet with the South African flag on it I gave up and noticed the open back door in the rear of the shop. Teagan and I had never walked out of the shop that way before and this time we decided, well why not? So we walked out the back door and stumbled upon this adorable store that only a small town would have to offer. Advertising gelatos, icees, and a very random assortment of food, the owners of the store gave us the warmest welcome possible and let us try every free sample in the store (awesome right?!). I ended up purchasing a coconut, chocolate, almond gelato and it was well worth the tiny amount I paid. After walking back I was ready for another nap and happily drifted off to sleep.
Oh The Cleverness of a Child
Recently I've come down with an unexpected cold. One would think if you are eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep, a head cold wouldn't come upon you, but hey life likes to throw unexpected curves in the road sometimes. The past two days eating healthy went out the window as chocolate and hot dogs (I have no idea why) became my go to food and exercise with a runny nose and fever just sounded miserable. I prescribed bed rest with an additional dose of the Chronicles of Narnia as my medicine for the weekend.
Even though there was a birthday party occurring in my basement I was perfectly content falling asleep to my roommates reading of a wrinkle in time and the sweet dreams that came next. Something I've realized about myself is when I am sick I love to watch children's movies and love to be taken care of. I am always reminded of my much younger self when I get sick and for that very reason, I am thankful that I became ill, for that realization alone. I have come across many people who after having gotten to know me always like to remind me not to get caught up in the sadness and danger in the world and to never lose the joy I can find in everyday life, and in people all around me. I realize that my joy is many times found when spending time with children, or reading children's books or watching children's movies because children see the world much more clearly then adults do sometimes. Many children are able to look past the sad and bad things of this world, to not be caught up in the negative but to focus on the here and now, the meaning of life, where happiness is found. When people tell me not to lose my joy, I tell people I will always try to keep the childlike version of myself alive, for all those who need to be reminded of the true meaning of life. In case I am not around though, there are plenty of children around the world, spend some time with them and you may learn things that you have forgotten.
Even though there was a birthday party occurring in my basement I was perfectly content falling asleep to my roommates reading of a wrinkle in time and the sweet dreams that came next. Something I've realized about myself is when I am sick I love to watch children's movies and love to be taken care of. I am always reminded of my much younger self when I get sick and for that very reason, I am thankful that I became ill, for that realization alone. I have come across many people who after having gotten to know me always like to remind me not to get caught up in the sadness and danger in the world and to never lose the joy I can find in everyday life, and in people all around me. I realize that my joy is many times found when spending time with children, or reading children's books or watching children's movies because children see the world much more clearly then adults do sometimes. Many children are able to look past the sad and bad things of this world, to not be caught up in the negative but to focus on the here and now, the meaning of life, where happiness is found. When people tell me not to lose my joy, I tell people I will always try to keep the childlike version of myself alive, for all those who need to be reminded of the true meaning of life. In case I am not around though, there are plenty of children around the world, spend some time with them and you may learn things that you have forgotten.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Beautiful People Make for Beautiful Friendships
A very well respected friend of mine told me that sometimes we become dreamers, in a time where dreaming becomes our escape from reality, and reality is very important sometimes.
I have been stuck to deep in my dreaming. Luckily for that I have some amazing people in my life who will listen to me when times get difficult, and confusing. I have people who take me as I am, and help me live in the beautiful reality before me. The beautiful opportunities and life I have awaiting me right now and all i have to do is awaken to that fact.
I was reminded of a few quotes when I thought of how my friends have helped me in many ways, but mostly helping me to realize more of who I am and to learn from the people that surround me. So to all of my friends...this is a shout out to you guys...love you all! Thanks for everything!
"Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words and you faith stronger than your feelings."
"I'd rather live a life of 'oh wells' than a life of 'what ifs'..."
"Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. just 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery"
Hearing a simple I miss you are the only words one needs sometimes.
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
"A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity."
I have been stuck to deep in my dreaming. Luckily for that I have some amazing people in my life who will listen to me when times get difficult, and confusing. I have people who take me as I am, and help me live in the beautiful reality before me. The beautiful opportunities and life I have awaiting me right now and all i have to do is awaken to that fact.
I was reminded of a few quotes when I thought of how my friends have helped me in many ways, but mostly helping me to realize more of who I am and to learn from the people that surround me. So to all of my friends...this is a shout out to you guys...love you all! Thanks for everything!
"Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words and you faith stronger than your feelings."
"I'd rather live a life of 'oh wells' than a life of 'what ifs'..."
"Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. just 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery"
Hearing a simple I miss you are the only words one needs sometimes.
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
"A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity."
Monday, August 27, 2012
Lately I feel like all people have been wanting from me has been answers. Answers about who I am now, what I've learned, dislikes, likes how those have changed, and beliefs. So sorry to be selfish with this post but it's going to be all about me. You all have been forewarned.
What I've learned:
1.The world is not as it appears to be, but it never really has been has it?
2. I walk funny, causing my knees to curve in to each other as I walk and my right shoe always gets destroyed.
3. People think I have a lisp...I am not one of those people.
4. People are unique, to their background, their history, their stories, size, shape, and color, and I relish those differences. The uniqueness of each person is beautiful and I love people.
5.I love smiling and I realized how many people have pegged that as my trademark. No I am not always happy,but I smile not just when I am happy, I smile to help me get through the hard things in life as well.
6. I've learned to be assertive; To stand up for myself when necessary.
7. Loads about South African history and politics but still not enough.
8. People have quite a few classifications for other people.
9. I've learned to never let a person think they are less than me.
10. As much as I have learned I still feel like the world continues to school me.
11. I love learning. Especially through people's life stories. I love people.
12. I've learned that even if you avoid it as much as possible, because I was raised in America I was raised on consumerism and therefore selfishness. Even when I thought I was being selfless I was shown I still had very much to learn. And I learned it from the most selfless people I have ever met.
13. I've learned that the grey areas in life are ok to be enjoyed. It is ok not to have a strong opinion on something one way or the other. During my time in Cape Town I was always expected to have a strong opinion on what is right and what is wrong but I have grown to accept and love my ability to see the grey area. Being able to see both the good and bad in a scenario or topic.
14. I've learned that so many people picture Jesus as a white blue eye'd man, why is that? I've learned why so many people turn from faith and how it is so easy to get caught up in the idea that people of strong faith have everything together. The truth is that putting anyone on a pedestal will only lead to disappointment and possibly a dislike for a certain religion.
15. I've learned I love to answer someones questions when I am very sure of the answer.
16. I love engaging in conversation about something completely foreign to me, engaging doesn't always have to mean using your voice, it can also mean actively listening.
17. I absolutely love languages and realize the importance of languages when building relationships.
18.I've learned that I am a perfectionist and as much as I would love to change that it is a part of me and I should start to embrace it, but its about time I stop becoming disappointed with my self and start loving my mistakes, flaws, and imperfections.
19. Deep fried Indian Food makes me feel sick...but I still eat it because it's so spicy it clears my sinuses.
20. I love handshakes.
21. I get extremely attached to people and places to the point of a mini depression when leaving said place or people.
22. When I came back I really hated America, I was constantly wanting to be somewhere else, anywhere else, but I've grown to love the opportunities I have been given just for living in this country. It truly is a blessing regardless of some of my strong opinions I hold against certain American characteristics.
23. Live music re-energizes my soul.
24. A friendly attitude can occasionally lead someone on, kindness can actually be cruel.
25. Drop box is one of the greatest inventions.
26. I've learned how sad it is that there is a perpetuating system of poverty, beggars have children, teaching their children to beg. What's the solution and when does it end?
27. I learned how miraculous a daily event such as the sunset or the stars coming out is.
28. I learned that commonalities can be found cross cultural and that is a beautiful realization.
29. I've learned that sometimes the hardest goodbyes don't end in tears at all, they end in a numbness that is difficult to explain.
30.I have learned that it's ok to completely let loose, no matter who is looking, if you are loving that moment, you do you!
31. Love is still the greatest lesson to be learned in life. I fall in love easily, but learning to love, is simply a different story.
32. I don't have answers, just thoughts, realizations, and wonderings.
I am sure there will be a round two of more realizations but until then this is what I've got.
What I've learned:
1.The world is not as it appears to be, but it never really has been has it?
2. I walk funny, causing my knees to curve in to each other as I walk and my right shoe always gets destroyed.
3. People think I have a lisp...I am not one of those people.
4. People are unique, to their background, their history, their stories, size, shape, and color, and I relish those differences. The uniqueness of each person is beautiful and I love people.
5.I love smiling and I realized how many people have pegged that as my trademark. No I am not always happy,but I smile not just when I am happy, I smile to help me get through the hard things in life as well.
6. I've learned to be assertive; To stand up for myself when necessary.
7. Loads about South African history and politics but still not enough.
8. People have quite a few classifications for other people.
9. I've learned to never let a person think they are less than me.
10. As much as I have learned I still feel like the world continues to school me.
11. I love learning. Especially through people's life stories. I love people.
12. I've learned that even if you avoid it as much as possible, because I was raised in America I was raised on consumerism and therefore selfishness. Even when I thought I was being selfless I was shown I still had very much to learn. And I learned it from the most selfless people I have ever met.
13. I've learned that the grey areas in life are ok to be enjoyed. It is ok not to have a strong opinion on something one way or the other. During my time in Cape Town I was always expected to have a strong opinion on what is right and what is wrong but I have grown to accept and love my ability to see the grey area. Being able to see both the good and bad in a scenario or topic.
14. I've learned that so many people picture Jesus as a white blue eye'd man, why is that? I've learned why so many people turn from faith and how it is so easy to get caught up in the idea that people of strong faith have everything together. The truth is that putting anyone on a pedestal will only lead to disappointment and possibly a dislike for a certain religion.
15. I've learned I love to answer someones questions when I am very sure of the answer.
16. I love engaging in conversation about something completely foreign to me, engaging doesn't always have to mean using your voice, it can also mean actively listening.
17. I absolutely love languages and realize the importance of languages when building relationships.
18.I've learned that I am a perfectionist and as much as I would love to change that it is a part of me and I should start to embrace it, but its about time I stop becoming disappointed with my self and start loving my mistakes, flaws, and imperfections.
19. Deep fried Indian Food makes me feel sick...but I still eat it because it's so spicy it clears my sinuses.
20. I love handshakes.
21. I get extremely attached to people and places to the point of a mini depression when leaving said place or people.
22. When I came back I really hated America, I was constantly wanting to be somewhere else, anywhere else, but I've grown to love the opportunities I have been given just for living in this country. It truly is a blessing regardless of some of my strong opinions I hold against certain American characteristics.
23. Live music re-energizes my soul.
24. A friendly attitude can occasionally lead someone on, kindness can actually be cruel.
25. Drop box is one of the greatest inventions.
26. I've learned how sad it is that there is a perpetuating system of poverty, beggars have children, teaching their children to beg. What's the solution and when does it end?
27. I learned how miraculous a daily event such as the sunset or the stars coming out is.
28. I learned that commonalities can be found cross cultural and that is a beautiful realization.
29. I've learned that sometimes the hardest goodbyes don't end in tears at all, they end in a numbness that is difficult to explain.
30.I have learned that it's ok to completely let loose, no matter who is looking, if you are loving that moment, you do you!
31. Love is still the greatest lesson to be learned in life. I fall in love easily, but learning to love, is simply a different story.
32. I don't have answers, just thoughts, realizations, and wonderings.
I am sure there will be a round two of more realizations but until then this is what I've got.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Adjustments, Transitions, and Changes
Today marks the third day I have been back at school. It has definitely been an up and down roller coaster ride of emotions. It feels like I never left this place of Hope, as everyone seems to be the same, and nothing too much about Hope has seemed to changer either. This transition has been difficult because I realize how much I have changed. I am constantly reminding myself to not look to the past so often or live in the future too much, it is time now that I start embracing the present yet again. Yes, I will still be counting down the days until summer when I can make it back to the oh so wonderful Cape Town, and possibly Thailand but until then, I will be trying to embrace everything that I have right here at this moment. I realize how many people would be so grateful to be in my position and I refuse to waste my time here. No, I still do not know which direction my life is heading, what I will be majoring in or even where I will be next semester, but as frustrating, stressful,and scary as that can be, I've realized I need to let go. I need to let go of what I am being told to do, I need to let go of what I think I should do, and wait until God points me in the direction of what I was made for. Until then I will be patiently waiting...ok..so not always so patient, but hey I'm trying :)
Whoever is reading this, I just want to say, one you are awesome, even if I have never met you, and two....Carpe Diem!
Whoever is reading this, I just want to say, one you are awesome, even if I have never met you, and two....Carpe Diem!
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