And I expect that might be the whole world
Because everybody needs something or someone to love
....If You Think You're Lonely Now, 1981
I thought last year was about lessons.
It wasn't. It was about being prepared to grow.
Wait. Isn't that a lesson?
Yes, I guess it is.
About 20 years ago, I made a decision to spend every year learning something different. I don't know why, at 18, this seemed so important, but it did.
I have studied religions, languages, the Vietnam War, presidential elections, water rights in third world countries and architecture.
You name it, and I've either spent a year learning about it, or I want to.
My friends call me 'The Oracle', but in reality, I'm just a girl who thinks the world is inspirational.
I never want to be complacent in my own life.
Last year I went out and met people I might not have otherwise found a reason to engage.
Some I have loved, others I have not. But in all of the cases, I have learned.
I have had an opportunity to be a friend to some people and had them return the kindness and we've all grown from the experience.
I have watched people write about their feelings but not talk about them; I've seen people act out their feelings and not accept that they are not being fair to those around them.
And I have learned.
I have learned what it means to say you're someone's friend and actually live the words. It is life-changing.
There have been a couple of times recently where I have been asked to 'be there' and each time, I have surprised myself by how willing I was to do it.
Last year, I hesitated because I worried about how things would look. Now?
When you know the truth about something, maybe that makes it easier to act. Or maybe I just made that up.
I'm finishing off a series on love on AFF because it feels like my class there is about to graduate.
And I think that is amazingly wonderful.
