Friendly Reminders

Sara McLaughlin sings a tune entitled “Little Earthquakes.”

Well, in life you will find that the very best brand of little earthquake is the one entitled “friend.”Each new friend offers us the chance to examine ourselves from a different angle, one we had never thought of before. Each person that we count as “friend” brings into our world a little earthquake, a little tidbit of knowledge that will improve our existence, whether we realize it or not.

Over the past few years I have been fortunate enough to stumble across some amazing friends along my twisted path of life. Their tidbits of knowledge have greatly improved my everyday existence. I feel that it is a bit cruel to keep their jewels away from the general public and so, from this small medium, I shall do my best to pass them along.

These are by no means the only lessons I have learned from people. Some are quite private and shall never be shared. So, if you do not see your name here and believe that it should be, perhaps you should try harder. No, I kid, there is, of course, no way I could ever hope to include all of the wonderful people that I know deserve to be included. With that knowledge, sit back and enjoy the ride.

From Shannon I have learned to enjoy every breath. No money? No problem, it costs $0 to dance. Great conversation, side splitting laughter and quiet Sunday afternoons in a packed Antigua park or on a black sand beach are also absolutely free. One can be enormously happy when one allows life to lead the way. Looking good while living in the moment is optional, but it certainly does not hurt.

From Geoff I have learned to broaden my horizons. Risks are meant to be taken, that is why they exist. Walls are meant to be climbed, doors meant to be opened and obstacles are meant to make one stronger. Also, martini glasses are meant to be empty.

From Mai Ia I have learned that the journey is the adventure. Whether one is coming or going, enjoy the ride. Life is not lived in destinations; it is lived in the experiences along the way. Also, anger is most amusing when it comes from attractive Asian women.

From Valerie I picked up a new phrase and thus a new philosophy; “bring it on.” No matter what fate tosses your way, bring it on. Being shot at by your Guatemalan Yoga instructor? Bring it on. Drowning in the ocean (almost)? Bring it on. Car breaks down in the Guatemalan wilderness? Bring it on.Living life hard and fast is the only way to live it. Life does not meander, life barrels. The only way to grab hold is to bring it on. Barry Manilow look-a-like contest? Bring it on.

From Lyndsay I have learned the value of life. Every moment is precious, cherish it, live it to the fullest, surround yourself with amazing people. I have found perfection in Riesling, the State Hospital and Lynds more times than I can remember. With amazing people come amazing experiences and breaking and entering charges (almost).

From Stephanie I have learned that there is such a thing as “the one.” A relationship works on so many different levels. Do not adhere to the norms set forth by society, do what feels right for you and it will be beautiful.And even if that time ends, it never really ends, it just continues in a different way. Also, no matter the situation, gummy bears will solve everything.

Do not discount the meaning that a new friend will bring into your life, one only recently met and experienced. Little earthquakes happen when you least expect them.

From Hannah I have learned that the opportunity to live and create an amazing story presents itself during some of the most strange moments and in some of the most odd disguises.You never know, chasing deer through a downtown suburb at 3 a.m. could really change the way you look at life in these modern times.