I would like to start off with a story that happened yesterday that goes along with yesterday's entry:
So, I'm at work and this woman comes up to the register and already gives me attitude...for whatever reason. She wants a green tea. I ask what size. "Tall! and NOT large! That's what you guys gave me last time and that's NOT what I wanted." I help up the tall cup I had grabbed. "Yes, that's fine." ok.... I ask which green tea...she give me a blank stare like I'm stupid and I just spoke a different language. I proceed to describe them. "THE BOLD ONE!" ok. No need to get excited or angry? (what?!) After I give her her tea, she gave me a gift card. Balance is zero. She gives me another. Balance is zero. She searches for another. The unsettling awareness of everyone around her staring at her and her awkwardness for the moment begins to creep in. She finds one dollar. She needs ninety five cents more. Her hands begin to shake. She is now searching even harder for one more dollar. I keep my gaze and my pleasant smile. When she finally extracts that last dollar, that overconfidence and rudeness that came with her glare before were now replaced with a vulnerability and almost friendliness? Now, this makes me wonder...what in the world has happened to this woman to make her feel like she has to treat everyone else around her condescendingly and rudely? The thing is...she's not the only one. So many people put up this wall, this shield, in order to deflect everything that comes at them from the outside world. The problem with some of these people? They don't know how to use the shield and still have a nice demeanor. They have to treat the world coldly...until karma hits them and they are brought back down to earth. I just wanted to share this story with you because of...well, you get the picture. I do agree that we should wear a shield, a protective layer when outside, because there is so much nasty energy, but at the same time, we need to stay true to ourselves and not let it get in the way of genuine and nice human interaction.
January is a month of moves...I have three friends moving to LA from Michigan. Two from Wayne State and one is a best friend of a best friend. I've extended my hand to them and told them to never hesitate to ask for help, call if they have questions, or shoot me a text if they want to just grab a coffee. Big cities can be lonely places...especially for first timers. It's good and comforting to know that you have someone there...that is not only there for you, but that they actually mean it. I then began to think about my amazing friends here. Both Julie and Crystal had offered their places to me to stay at if I didn't have a place when I first moved here...before I even asked. They understand. They know. It's hard. Luckily, I had a place, so it worked out, but just having that knowledge was so comforting. It was nice to know that I had people in my new city that were there for me in every facet and way. I hope I am the same for my friends. In sort of the same respect, it's amazing how certain people are brought into your life...and remain in your life...or even leave and come back when you're both on the same page. Life is funny like that, but cool just the same. It's fascinating that I ended up at this Starbucks because I have become friends with everyone that works there. They're so fun and make the day go by so fast. Yes, we're working, but at the same time, it doesn't always feel like work; it feels more like a gathering place for like personalities to just have fun...and in the meantime, we have obligations...like making drinks and ringing people up. :) It's nice to have that feeling. I'm guessing that's why this Starbucks is one of the most successful ones in the area. Since we have that camaraderie, the customers are going to feel more at home and enjoy coming in. If we're laughing and smiling genuinely, it's only going to be contagious...and boy, is it ever. Jokes, laughs, and smiles are always abound.
Have you ever just sat down and really listened to you heart? I mean, really listened? Were you ever caught off guard by what it said? Or were you comforted? Stressed? Or moved? I've sat down and listened to mine on many occasions and it's always the same thing...something big. Whatever that means. I'm going to be doing something big. I will be making a difference somehow, doing something...eventually. I'm intrigued and thrilled and excited for the road ahead. I also know (on a different note) that whatever I have in store before that, all of my talents will be used...singing, dancing, and acting. I sincerely feel that, too. it's comforting to know, but scary at the same time. But, I just have to let the fear subside and have faith.
Well, today I'm meeting up with Julie to go for a hike. It's so beautiful and refreshing to be standing up on a mountain and looking out over the city and seeing the Pacific Ocean in the distance. A breath of fresh air, if you will...literally and figuratively. Go find your breath of fresh air and remember to live in the moment and grasp every second.
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