here are some that come to mind:
1. dana - growing up in small town, chagrin falls, ohio she was my cool and creative friend that wore her sweatshirts inside out, introduced me to the violent femmes and made me see that life was not all about being homogeneous and fitting in with the majority.
2. p.j. - for laughing with me on our church work camp trips in high school. for helping me to see the beauty in the some of the most beaten down and distressed areas in the united states.
3. ryan - you know the time in college where you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders (or maybe that was just me)? well, ryan was my friend that i knew i could always count on to go running with. we would vent about our stresses and we talked about big ideas and politics.
4. maya - she was the first nurse i came in contact with when i was admitted to the hospital for pre-term contractions at 27 weeks when i was pregnant with k and r. she is the kindness, most reassuring person i have ever met. she made me laugh despite the fact that i was freaking out on the inside.
5. kayo- she is a true leader. originally from japan, she has lived in many countries, including france, ivory coast, and ethiopia. i have never heard her once complain and she has helped me change my life for the better here in newport. i started yoga since meeting her. i have started meditating again because of her. i am more mindful and grateful because of her influence.
so to these individuals i say thank you.
"The planet does not need more 'successful people'. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds. It needs people to live well in their places. It needs people with moral courage willing to join the struggle to make the world habitable and humane and these qualities have little to do with success as our culture is the set. "
~The Dalai Lama
do you have friends that have gracefully touched your life and influenced you in some way? i would love to hear about it.
first photo of my dear friend, kayo martin.
second photo - graffiti on the cliff walk.
Wonderful post Molly! Sometimes I feel like I am on the slow road work-wise. I see people who are long into successful careers and I compare myself to that. Reading this I am reminded yet again that the Dalai Lama is right. It is easy to get caught up in success. I still believe in the creative passion behind endeavors, but the world does need those people who touch one person at a time with their presence. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of people in your life. And although I don't know you personally, I suspect you are also an empowerer for so many others. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts. xo
ReplyDeletethank you for your thoughtful response. you are a true empowerer and i feel enlightened by reading your posts. have a fabulous weekend, friend:)
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