Food For Thought

One nice thing about coming back to the west coast after a few days on the east is, due to the delay in my body's adjustment to Pacific time, the ease of waking up long before my alarm. As much as I crave the title of "morning person", my tendencies towards night-owlship have caused a severe lack in early rising days in my lifetime. I love how the first few days back in California allow me an extra hour or so of quiet calm before the start of another city living day; how they ease me into a place of gratitude and openness instead of a mad rush to put 4 different sets of life-wheels in motion. 

This morning as I lazily played around on my phone for a few moments before rising to shower (deliciously early, before the sun even began peeking through my blinds) I came across the above photo, taken Sunday night on a drive with my Pop. It reminded me of what a lovely visit I had as well as a particular, familiar sentiment shared by my old man during the car ride; People are complicated. I made this statement a few years ago to him during a heart to heart and it has since become our go-to response to one another when faced with a relationship, person or situation who has perhaps disappointed, surprised, frustrated or even hurt us. We say it not so much as an excuse to give someone a free pass to continue harmful behavior but more so as gentle encouragement to take a breath, let things go and understand the importance of not taking the actions of others personally.  Folks truly are complicated little creatures. What makes sense to us one day may not make any sense the next. Seeing as it's impossible to ever fully grasp the current of emotions running through another person, it seems a heck of a lot easier to make peace in ourselves, instead--to try and be an example of love and light, forgiveness and compassion. We even say this expression when discussing things that are not specifically about us, too (news stories, politics, current events, pop culture, etc). I guess in some ways it's our personal reminder to actively choose kindness, no matter what; a mantra to try and remain free of judgment whenever possible. Isn't it the complications that often make people and life more interesting, anyway?

People are complicated. It's our little umbrella statement on humanity, held gently over those who cross our paths physically, emotionally or spiritually and I'm glad to be reminded of it this beautiful early morning. So cheers to you, my wonderfully complicated readers. I hope you're well, safe and happy :)

In Gratitude,

Trish