Safe Harbor
I could feel myself emotionally sinking in early February.
As I clung tightly to hope that restoration of my self-confidence was right around the corner, the Texas winter storm exposed both the ferocity of Mother Nature and the hypocrisy of Lone Star State legislative leadership.
My air of conviction had all but evaporated under the strain of busted water pipes and a global pandemic. I was stirred. A cocktail that I could not shake (do you like that play on words? Cue up the laugh track.)
Hence, my decision to take an extended spring break.
Fogged In
You and I have been in an endless loop of sameness.
Initially, I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet. My creativity popped, and I could hear myself think.
I was good until I wasn't.
So, when an acquaintance called mid-April in need of a temporary place to stay, I did not hesitate to open my door.
As we eased into a sweet groove of morning coffee, virtual work, followed by dinner, I started to get excited about cooking for two, breaking bread over candles and wine.
Since both of us are self-professed loners, we did not feel the need for constant in-presence connection; I continued to get out and about pandemic-style while my housemate stayed in to focus on getting back to the basics of breathing again.
As with any positive presence, as time passed, our trust in one another deepened.
Of All The Gin Joints*
The chance of success in relationships is due to adjacentness.
On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, President Bush remarked on how he and Michelle Obama forged a friendship
because of protocol, I'm always stuck next to her—or she's always stuck next to me—and I get a little antsy during the long-winded eulogies, so I start cracking a few jokes. Funeral jokes. And she seems to think they're funny, so I'm delighted.
Just like the aforementioned, when we show up with a heart full of empathy, our relationships expand instead of contract.
On a not-so-personal note, I have been gobsmacked more than once by proximity and conversation that comes from simply smiling and saying hello. Moreover, during my travels, I find that open seating, mass transit, and dog parks are just a few of the many ways to delight in the "we-ness" of one another.
Resilience
The storms of life mean to challenge and help us to flourish. While our responses are ours alone, the journey taken is by all.
Speaking of storms, I, for one, am grateful to be living through a pandemic. What am I grateful for, you ask?
To be alive.
For an acquaintance who has become a dear friend.
The privilege to share another Perspective.
The honor of being on the golden road with all of you.
Until we meet again, let compassion be our safe harbor and shelter from the storm. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
May 2021
*Movie Buffs! Quick! Please write and tell me the iconic film that this line is from.