Do whatever it takes

Parenting is hard. Do whatever it takes to be heard.

Did you see that?

I've tried before to tell you about this moment I had like 4 or 5 or I don't know even 8 years ago while I was driving, but it was such a powerful moment in my life that I've had a hard time finding words that fit it.  I was just toodling along on my way to do something probably very important in Atlanta (like look for a rug or a dress or something) and I saw this guy walking on the side of the road, you know kinda lifting his feet up over the weeds and rocks that inhabit the side of the road. He didn't look like what you'd call a tremendously successful individual what with the worn out clothes and the dollar general bag he was carrying. In fact, you'd probably describe this fella as more the "rode hard and put up wet sort" but whatever - I just wanted you to imagine him.  Coming towards him, also on foot was a woman who looked equally worn and weary. Her blond hair was growing out much darker and she was thin and her skin looked lined from years of smoking and hard living. Here's the good part and it happened pretty quickly:  when they noticed one another, they both stopped in their tracks and rushed towards each other and embraced like two people who had been rescued, like two people who'd been vitally important to one another at one time but had maybe been lost somehow for years.  It was a joyous reunion - kind of like when you run into someone you've survived a kidnapping with I'd imagine.  I mean, PURE RELIEF and unspeakable joy existed right there on the side of the road. It wasn't romantic, but it was like watching one of the most intimate expressions of love I have ever witnessed. The beauty that existed in their ugly, worn, clothes and demeanor, in their humanity, was stunning and I was grief stricken because in that same moment I realized that I had probably sped by a million instances to witness this sort of love and beauty but managed to be more distracted by their imperfections.  So it was a sad moment of realization, and at the same time one of the most lovely and cherished moments I can recall. I'm still afraid that I can't describe it well enough for you to connect with the impact of it. That moment changed my life - it opened my eyes to the importance of being receptive and to the possibility that sadness and happiness are not that far from one another.

I tell you this so that you might watch this short clip below about our phones and how all the distractions we put in place keep us from experiencing all the good and all the sad that makes us eventually happier people.  Now I'm not talking about the parenting part at the beginning of this clip, but it might still be worth watching that part and we can talk about that later, but bear with it.  Next time let's talk about whether we get in our own way when it comes to living the life we want.

Tip #1 for living the good life

Go for a walk in the morning. This is from yesterday's walk at Berry. I interrupted everyone's breakfast apparently. 

And all your dreams (or nightmares) came true...

I can't imagine anything worse than what's happening in this article:  There's a Clown Terrorizing a British Town - Connor Simpson - The Atlantic Wire