I've been thinking a lot lately, especially since I have been traveling quite a bit on my own. Just a few days ago I returned from a beautiful trip in Washington, D.C., the nation's splendid capital. A simple square assaulted on all sides by different states, the people in D.C. struck me not as a group of overworked, overheated, discontent automatons but as humans appreciating and loving other humans. Though I normally think a lot (and have self-proclaimed myself as extremely "heady"), my experiences of people and nature in D.C. caused me to realize how much our overall health relates to our thoughts and our perceptions. A simple positive thought every day has the ability to completely change your world and how you feel in your world. The thought doesn't have to pertain to anything in particular, it can be about you, your friends, or your family; happy, honest, or abstract; simple, direct, or complex. I planned to begin writing (either in this blog or elsewhere) a thought from a moment of every single day, encapsulating that thought in all its beauty. This post serves as a simple start to that idea, a listing of a few thoughts of my own that I have experienced over the summer and this past year. Hopefully, time will permit me to elaborate further in the future, with the ability to dedicate entire posts to one single thought. For now, though, a few thoughts that have been lingering in my mind, in no particular order...
1. Never take anything for granted. This includes, but is not limited to: music, your parents, your good health, your friends, this planet, love, running water, electricity, the internet, the ability to read this right now, your body, your ears, your eyes, your nose, your fingers and toes, your limbs, your perceptions through each individual body part, your brain, your mind, your consciousness, your being, good food, food at all, the ability to taste, the ability to think about what you taste, water, your family, healthcare (if you have it), animals, nature, architecture, patterns, geometry, the small things, the clothes on your back, your questions, your answers, this universe, whatever put this beautifully chaotic universe into being, your worst times (you need those, too, to make you who you are), your best times, your fellow worker, the workers in your community, the average joe on the street, your fellow human beings. I could go on forever...you can decide how, when, or if this list will end.
2. Time alone is extremely valuable. Be sure to take time for yourself to do something you love. Take time for yourself to appreciate nature. Take time for yourself to relax. Take time for yourself to think. Take time for yourself to understand why. Take time for yourself to understand this universe. Take time for yourself to understand your mind and consciousness.
3. Friends are the most valuable people in your life. If they are true friends, never lose them, always trust them, and always be there for them. Your friends will get you through the worst and the best of times.
4. Never, ever, be embarrassed by or shun your parents (unless you have an extremely good reason, or they have wronged you in an irreparable way). Too many loving parents have been ignored by children who want to outgrow them. Your parents are the reason why you are here today, the reason why you are who you are today. They literally carry on in you, and you and your parents will forever be biologically intertwined. Accept their love and love them back, for they are a beautiful part of your life.
5. If you are ever feeling down or out of touch with reality, listen to your favorite piece of music. There is something incredibly human, moving, and radiant about what musically touches us. Never lose sight of what a valuable tool your ears can be for connecting with other humans.
6. People are constantly watching what you do. A favorite pasttime of almost all people is to people-watch, for whatever reason. That reason could be for absolutely anything - curiosity, laughter, self-esteem. Be a role model almost always. You never know who could be watching. Even if nobody is watching, its important to display a positive, loving attitude, because what people see is what they emulate. Think about how you judge and respond to the people you watch and interact with. Keep that in mind the next time you think you are alone, and no one is watching.
7. Constantly love and connect with your fellow human beings. Northeasterners stereotypically tend to be cold and calculating, a mere shadow of a human being who ignores human interaction at all costs. Send love to your fellow traveler, your fellow worker, your fellow Average Joe. It could make their day. In D.C., I was struck by the love and care that people put into interacting with me even though I will probably never see those people again. Most importantly, the love that those people showed me will stay with me for the rest of my life, an unwavering fingerprint upon my soul. Thank you, construction worker. Thank you, squash player. Thank you, gym manager. Thank you, housemate. Thank you, UPS delivery woman. Thank you, Nationals fans. Thank you, Nationals worker. Thank you, police officer. Thank you, Southwest airlines worker. Thank you, Metro security guard. I love each and every one of you. I hope I run into you at some point in the future. So, next time you have the chance, don't be afraid to help your fellow human being. You will never be afraid to ask for help or human affection again.
8. Look up at the night sky once in a while and just think about the universe. Trust me, you'll be amazed at the implications.
Those are just a few of the many thoughts I have had over the past year. I encourage you to take these as you will, and keep thinking positively about what makes the world go round.
Goodnight, friend.
