Digging Deeper

My social calendar was full this weekend, which is rare for me these days. Whether it's MS, aging, or just life, I get depleted and fatigued easily when I have too much on my plate. This weekend was different. I woke up today feeling rested, fulfilled, and inspired all at once. A fire was reignited in me that I didn't even realize had been dimmed, nor did I realize how much I need it to stay lit in order to keep my peace and joy.

There was no major event or situation that occurred; just raw, honest, heartfelt conversations with people that I love from all different walks of life. It started with some girl time (of course), but instead of our typical shenanigans, we had some hard subjects to address. There were tears and laughs and zero resolution to anything that either of us are going through, but still a calmness and overwhelming feeling of love and appreciation for each other. We have different lives, yet we relate on so many levels. The most important being that we support each other and want to see each other happy/fulfilled but are also along for the bumpy ride that is life.

Next up was a longtime family friend with whom we were overdue for a visit, and with a family member in town, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up. But what I REALLY loved, is that it was not catching up with small talk. We dove right in and went deep. It reminded me of the book "Get Honest or Die Lying" by Charlamagne the God, where he delves into why small talk sucks so much. I loved this book, probably because I loathe small talk. Our conversation reminded me so much of what my soul craves. Depth. Conversation. Honesty. Vulnerability. Compassion. I went to sleep that night, feeling so much adoration for my loved ones and gratitude for my life leading me to them.

When I woke up, it was time for another one. As tired as I felt, I was also excited because I knew that our plans today would contain two of my favorite things... nature and laughing. We met up for a double date and sat outside on a beautiful patio with delicious food and company. We talked about everything and nothing, but there was never a dull moment. We commiserated over some hardships and even laughed about things that would typically be difficult issues. Not minimizing or making light of anything, just being real and knowing that some things we have zero control over, and that laughter truly is the best medicine.

After sleeping for what felt like 17 hours, I woke up well rested today, and with my mind replaying conversations, scenarios, feelings, from the weekend. I didn't post a lot to social media, but I posted TONS on my mind and heart. I began thinking about another quote from Charlamagne, saying "People don't care about the truth on social media when a lie is much more entertaining." The way that we curate our lives to look a certain way is crazy. Life is not curated. It doesn't have an aesthetic. It's messy and raw and ugly and beautiful and glorious. THIS is what I'm interested in. Real life. Humanity. Connection. Love. Friendship. How lucky I am to live the life that I do. It's not always easy or fun, but the fact that I get to experience it with so many different people, makes it magical. I am a white woman. My husband is Middle Eastern. The 3 groups of friends that I spent this weekend with were Black, Filipino, and Mexican.

I was reminded that good people do exist in this dark world and that some of the most influential, inspirational, and strongest relationships tend to come from people who are NOT just like me. How many people truly step outside of their little bubble to experience life different from what they know? How many people surround themselves only with people who are exactly like them in regard to race, religion, age, background, etc.?!

I'm SO proud to be someone who does not subscribe to a conventional life and who seeks education and depth from others who are not like me.

There is something extremely special about knowing that you can be so different but still feel so unbelievably loved. While it seems that the world is forgetting this, I am happy to say that I am not. The connection that you can feel from someone who is "different" from you, is truly unmatched. There is a bond that you form from the soul that is rewarding and fulfilling just in itself. You feel truly seen, loved, and appreciated for who you are. Not because you have so much in common or you agree on everything or because of what you can offer. You are just loved for being who you are. Those connections are so pure and glorious. Imagine if the world was open minded enough to experience this.