Sometimes we all just need to get away. We need to throw caution to the wind, buy the plane ticket and go. And that is exactly what I did. After stressful few weeks, it was time to take a break, see friends, smile and unplug. It was time to relax and get away from all the ugliness that had been.
And the result was a wonderful trip to clear the mind and the heart. I pressed a quick reset and reboot. Because sometimes we have to get away to get a better view, to get perspective on what, ad who, is really good for us and our life. We have to take separate heartbeats, dry our cheeks, and take a deep breath.
In this day and age of bigger is better and fastest is the best, we have to take a moment to have fun when things have been hard or overwhelming. And so there was Austin, TX. And there was a wonderful hotel. And seeing friends, laughing, exploring, talking, trusting, shopping, eating and catching up. And there was so much love there with all of us. There was a ghost trip, meeting new people, seeing old friends, and talking about dreams, life and other follies.
It was a great trip. Not just because of of the wonderful people I saw, though that was amazing; but also because it reminded me that there is life beyond what I have been dealing with. It is always good to reminded that the world, that life, that you yourself, are bigger than what has been placed in front of you.
And one of the things that I saw again, once away and unplugged, was how much I love taking care of others. I remember back in 2013, when I my sister and nephew were living with me, and Mom and Dad would stay with me for Dad’s treatments. I loved taking care of all of them. To make sure that they were all loved and cared for, having everything they needed – it was bliss.
And indeed, all I have ever wanted to do in my life is take care of those that I love. For all of my independence, and fierceness, this is all I want. It took me a minute to remember and see, but I have a new family now that loves me dearly, that has been there for me through everything, and who have been my strength in between heartbeats and seconds. And I want to continue to take care of them as much as they have taken care of me.
A gentle pat, a sympathetic look, a knowing smile, a hug…I think life is in these simple gestures, these priceless moments of truly being seen, heard, felt, and appreciated, for the unique facets of who we are, at our core. And that is all I want to give and be given in return in this life.
These moments come in random forms—they arrive unexpectedly, and it is up to us to pay close attention, to listen, to stand still long enough, so that we can push past the noise of the world and all its perceived barriers, and, finally, meaningfully, let our true selves break through.
So let the chips fall where they may. As long as I have people to love and take care of, as long as I am cherished, loved, respected and am treated with kindness, I will be happy. To write, to take care of those I love, and to be cherished by those who love me, is truly all I could ask for.
Life is too short for drama but somehow never long enough for all the love that can be felt in a lifetime. Take trips. Love deep. And have fun.
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