Day 19:
There are a few people in this world who make us feel at home - not just with hospitality - but in spirit. Our families are made up of more than just blood relatives. Our families are the people who accept us as we are, who are always happy to see us, and who make us feel better when we're around them. These people bring out the best in us, and love us at our worst.
I am lucky because I have a few of those people in my life. I always jump at the chance to spend time with them. This weekend, I was able to spend time with my parents, and my best friend and his family.
The timing couldn't have been better. I'm just a couple of weeks away from one of the most exciting and potentially life-changing trips of my life. I'm going to Hawaii with my partner - and, as a part of the trip, we'll be planning our wedding. While I am always happy to see the important people in my life, it seems almost like some sort of book-end to the story that is about to unfold.
When I got home, I noticed a Facebook post by another buddy. In it, he urged everyone to reach out to the people in our lives - to give real hugs and to pay sincere attention to them - even if they don't act like they need it. It struck a nerve... and it makes me want to get outside of my self and pay attention to the relationships in my life that make me who I am.
So... that's exactly what I plan to do. It will NOT be about me. It will be about making those connections and expanding our relationships. It will be about getting to know each other and opening up closed lines of communication. I want to build a stronger circle around me. I want to have a more welcoming, accepting and interactive way of life.
I want to exchange spiritual ideas and tap into the unseen connections that we cannot explain or understand. I want to connect physically with comfortable contact, sincere embraces and basic proximity. I want to have meetings of the minds, and discuss all the things we have in common, the things that make us different, and learn from each other. I want to be emotionally open, raw and unreserved.
In short, it's time to stop letting things get in the way. It's time to risk being NOT accepted and NOT understood a few times, in order to find out where I AM accepted and understood. It's time to be open - in all ways. It's time to be accepting and understanding without judgement. It's time to practice what I preach and truly connect. Life is fleeting, we have to use it while we have it. Part of using it... is sharing it.
Love and acceptance is out there. We must all learn to receive it - then, pass it on.
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