Free

I’ve been fortunate to travel throughout the United States and abroad. I’ve enjoyed many wonderful experiences. Some of my favorite memories have never been captured on video or in a photograph but are stored deep inside of me, tucked away in my heart and soul. I’ve talked to amazing people, embracing different cultures and ethnicities. I’ve met intelligent thinkers, creative artists and people living day to day on a single ounce of hope. Their spirit is high with a determination to press forward. They are without contradiction or excuse. They know who they are and make the most of an unfortunate situation, embracing each challenge, thus collecting and storing more hope for a brighter tomorrow.

It’s these extraordinary people who are trying to get our attention with actions and not with words. They are telling us to slow down, appreciate what we have and enjoy the simple things life has to offer. It’s not about what you have, but more importantly about what you give (and no, I’m not just talking about money, but rather time, wisdom, hope, etc.).

Yes, the latter has made a deep impression on my being. It has given me reason to pause without hesitation, demanding me to reflect. As such, I am in constant motion of enjoying the free things life has to offer. It’s these opportunities I turn into stories, writing about them on my blogs, adding photos and video, to encourage others to make the most of free.

You might not have the money to go out to dinner a few times each week or month, but you can make dinner at home, place it in a basket or a box, grab a blanket and drive (or preferably walk) to a park near you and sit outside and eat dinner while nature entertains you. Why not take a walk with a best buddy (as I so often do)? Talk and snap photos and video. Many years from now you’ll be able to look at the images and remember the conversations, which will serve to remind you of the friendship and why it was so important to nurture, never letting it go. Take advantage of the free festivals, which will expand your horizons. Go to a library to grow your mind, thus becoming an active participant in the world of wonder. Sit by a lake, river or ocean and meditate to calm your spirit. Something as simple as sitting outside on a step or stoop and watching water running down the edge of a curb or street can change you if you allow yourself to not focus on the street or curb, but the simple stream of water and its motion. Who knows, you might just see a colorful prism or rainbow.

I’ve spent a lot of money and time traveling to places I knew would bring a fresh perspective to my world, as well as a new friend or two. However, the simple things in life I’ve never abandoned and can’t, because they are truly defining of my/our character. They are telling of our ability to connect with all whom we meet. More importantly, they usher in hope for a brighter tomorrow.

I appreciate my long walks (alone) to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, sitting and observing the tall ships as they come in and out or getting a fruit cup and sitting on a pier or bench to peoplewatch.

I long for those impromptu moments of meeting friends for brunch or an evening dinner. However, I like it even more when we get together and walk, finding a place to sit and talk for hours, which hopefully has us losing track of time and of ourselves. I miss the days of just being silly, stupid and funny with a few special friends who’ve passed on, but the memories remain and I am grateful.

Make time to enjoy the simple things in life. More often than not, they are free and will definitely bring a smile to your face, and on days when you’re not feeling quite like yourself, they will heal your spirit – moving you forward.

A new week begins.  Bring to it joy, peace and love.  Give to get.  Cheers! – paerki  (Photos: The 'BMORE BIRDS' – Govans on York Road).