The Trifecta of Thrilling Truths

I have some extra time on my hands these days because I am not gallivanting around town so much due to the pandemic.  I am not sure when I will be able to resume my shenanigans of checking out festivals and arts, but I do know that I am figuring out a new way to explore.  Exploring is one of the most important life experiences I enjoy.

In my daily writing, I enjoyed a 'ah ha!' moment of sorts: figuring out what makes a happy day for me.  I came up with three things that when experienced, I can tag as a banner day:

• Learning
• Laughter
• Love

If I have the opportunity to learn at least one thing over the course of the day, I'm good.  Imagine my joy when it is chock full of new knowledge!  Just the other day on my Daytripping with Denny K outing to Woonsocket, I learned a whole mess of things in just one part of the Ocean State (aka Rhode Island).  Imagine my excitement when I think about the other 38 cities and towns in the state to explore!

Who doesn't like a good laugh out loud moment?  Whether it is watching one of my favorite shows on PBS Rhode Island - The Durrells in Corfu - or scrolling through some silly animal posts on Instagam, I just a good guffaw like the next guy.

Lastly, love.  I get to feel it everyday of my life.  It could be a pleasant exchange with someone at the park (from six feet away, of course!) or a text from a friend.  An exchange of well wishes and care fills my heart to an almost bursting level.

What are your three thrilling truths?  

Another lesson learned that helps me when I am in pickle is the following question:  Will I regret doing it or not regret doing it?  That simple question has helped me figure out some important decisions.

So, here is a bit of a homework assignment for you: go out and learn something.  Try looking up Rupi Kaur, find out what a amphisbaena is, and who makes THE BEST chocolate in the world (hint: it doesn't start with an "H").

And, try not to laugh watching this funny cat video! Oh, and why not send a little love text to a special someone, just because.  I'm telling you, your day will be amazing!

California Dreaming - April 7, 2020

A couple of years ago, I went to visit my friend, Kristen, in San Francisco. And, as you can see, we had spectacular weather. It was December and beautiful. I can't speak for my host, but it was a delightful time. As I reminisce, an old Nordic expression comes to mind: clouds move. I hope the sun is shining on you today and if it isn't, know that it will come back out again.

One day at a time. A quiet meditation on perspective goes a long way in my book. Welcoming The Full Experience sometimes fills my heart and other times, freaks me out. I remind myself that I am doing my best.

Another gorgeous spring day here in Providence. Not too many meetings today. I do have to venture out for my weekly food shopping. Of course, wearing my full protective gear. I also chatted it up with new friend Kathy, about podcasting and blogging.

I've come to learn that my new television is a good thing and a bad thing. Although sometimes checking out on binge-watching doesn't exactly help me sleep very well, sometimes it's just something I need to do. You know what I mean?

 

The Dancing Blooms - April 3, 2020

This dance of the blossoms was captured May 2018 in Portland, Oregon. If I'm not mistaken I taped this during a walk near my former employer's location. Those rhody’s are something else, aren't they? 

We are now having more rainy days and warmer weather in Providence, Rhode Island and many things are blooming. I spotted the first signs of cherry blossoms around the corner. Many daffodils have poked through and I'm sure the tulips are close behind. 

The springtime energy is contagious. I don't know about you, but I've been experiencing all kinds of creative energy during the past couple of weeks. I suppose with my brain that loves to problem-solve, this situation has put it into high speed. I've come up with a number of ideas that I will reveal  later but I'm wondering who else is enjoying this creative growth spurt? 

I consider these days quite the adventure. One of my favorite thought leaders is Mark Nepo. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back and he has written one of my favorite books called The Book of Awakening. It is filled with short but very deep reflections and I'm always learning something each day that I read it even though I've been reading it for six years. My copy is falling apart because I've been reading it so much but I don't dare replace it with a new one since I have tabbed and highlighted sections that caught my heart. Today's reflection has this quote: The river is now in me. The reflection is about how we are all connected and how we're all in this together glad to be sharing this “adventure” with all of you.

Connecting with strangers

We often hear that we should teach our children about 'stranger danger' and that makes sense, to a certain degree, and I wonder how we unlearn that messaging when we become adults?

I find one of the most charming experiences in life is talking with someone I don't know, a stranger.  Whether it is a moment shared while waiting for the light signal to change or walking to your car with another volunteer talking about the theater you support. 

Just last night, I met another volunteer usher with Trinity Rep. I started volunteering there soon after arriving in Providence.  We walked together to our cars last night after assisting at the theater and she shared that she is a case worker for the state of Rhode Island.  That caught my attention because of my work as a fundraiser for Kinship House, an outpatient mental healthcare agency for foster and adoptive children in Portland, OR.  We had a commonality.  Her genuine spirit was light and loving although she carries the weight of dealing with heart wrenching circumstances in her work in the world. 

In our brief exchange, we shared a little bit of who we are with one another. And although we agreed to catch up the next time we crossed paths, with a likelihood it will not happen, it is a loving human experience that I will carry with me.

Last night, two strangers became acquaintances. Who knows, maybe someday we will become friends.  It could happen.  This is Rhode Island, you know. Our experience offered us the chance to share a piece of our heart and soul with one another in a brief connection.  Just because.