On a Journey to Find Myself

We all go through life trying to figure out who we are.  I don't think we ever really find who we're supposed to be but instead we are on a journey meeting people and making memories that shape us.  I believe in fate and I believe people come into our lives at a time we most need them.  We meet people and they shape who we are and help us determine our life journey.  I'm a people person and will make conversation with anyone I run into.  As many people as I've met along this life journey there are three that vary from others.  I can't pinpoint why I value their friendship so much but they stick out to me because they've changed my life.  They've changed the way I look at the world, myself and my journey.  They inspire me to be a better person and to live life to the fullest without regrets.  They aren't the richest people I know.  They aren't the most popular.  They aren't doctors or lawyers or politicians.  In my book they're so much more than all of that.  They're individuals.  They go through life being themselves and creating happiness amongst themselves and others around them through creativity, refreshing thoughts and a free spirit.  They aren't my best friends and they aren't who I turn to when I am in need of a friend.  Actually, they have no idea how much I value their friendship.  When I spend time with them I can't stop smiling, I feel free, I feel creative and I feel like I know who I am for once. 

When I'm around them I'm challenged.  I challenge the norms and I challenge the mold I have grown to think I need to fit.  They've taught me that happiness isn't building a stacked resume, or making the most money, being popular or holding the newest trends.  Happiness is about being yourself, learning to love, being inspired by music and art, seeing all that the world has to offer and making memories along the way.  As I continue my journey and shape my life I have found myself thinking of these three.  They give to me so much more than I'm able to give to them because they have helped me become myself.  They inspire me to challenge the norms that I used to think were so important to fulfill.  They force me to be open minded and enjoy people and things for just what they are.  They create a place of inspiration, creativity and freedom for me.

Thanks to three of the most inspirational, free spirited and life changing people I know.  You've helped me pave my life journey more than you'll ever know.

For the one that reminds me that happiness is within:

For the one that has no idea how much they encourage me to spread my wings:

For the one that inspires me to challenge the "norms" and live my life journey free and fearlessly...

Rusty & Laura Similarities

Does everyone have similarities with their pets or do I just let my mind wander aimlessly on my walks with Rusty?!  The similarities I share with my dog is slightly creepy.  Almost as creepy as his eyes.

Rusty is short and squatty.  His Corgi-like legs keep him low to the ground--which is also why I think ticks tend to find their way to his tummy all the time.  I'm all of 5'4 on a good day.  Unlike Rusty, I don't think ticks are attracted to this short and squatty body. 

Rusty is a lot like Dug, the dog from the movie Up.  His mind goes from a squirrel to the blowing leaves to a snack to the neighbor dog all with the snap of a finger.  I also have so much going through my head at all times that I tend to change topic in the snap of a finger.  My thoughts can change from Hunger Games to my new shoes to an upcoming fundraiser to guitar lessons more quickly than Kim Kardashian changes boyfriends.

Rusty hates to be left out of anything.  Even when he's run all day and is beyond exhausted he hates to miss out on a walk or car ride.  He will be passed out on the floor after a long walk but as soon as he hears the door open he is at your feet in a flash.  Like Rusty, I will do anything not to miss a beat.  I'll never forget puking across the state of Nebraska on a family vacation.  I dry heaved all day on the trails because I refused to miss out on a hike with the family.  I hate missing out on anything.  The way Rusty inevitably makes his way into my car shortly after I just vacuumed up all his fur is probably the same way I made my way on a "Guy's Trip" to East Lansing this winter. 

This weekend my friend said to me, "I like you better when you don't feel good.  You're calm and quiet."  Later that day as Rusty was running around like a fool I thought to myself, "I sure like Rusty better when he's exhausted because he's calm and not constantly in my face."  The things that drive me nuts about Rusty are probably the same things that drive my family and friends nuts about me.  Hanging out with Rusty has taught me a lesson or two in patience.  It's also led to a lot of respect for my friends and family.  Hanging out with someone that changes topic in a flash during conversation or can have difficulty staying on task, hates being left out of anything and everything, and is short and squatty can be exhausting and trying at times.  Thanks to all those that have stuck around the two of us for this long!

 I guess being friends with Rusty and myself requires our friends and family to deal with our demons in order to enjoy our angels!

I've Always Wanted...

How many times have you caught yourself saying, "I've always wanted to [insert something unbelievably cool]"?  For me it's been said countless times.  I've always wanted to backpack across Europe.  I've always wanted to sky dive.  I've always wanted to do RAGBRAI.  I've always wanted to make my own sushi.  I've always wanted to get a tattoo (although I can't decide what I'd want on my body for the rest of my life).  I've always wanted to camp while hiking the Tetons.  I've always wanted to join the PeaceCorp.  I've always wanted to run a marathon-again.  I've always wanted to learn to play guitar.

Last week was long, interesting and hard because death kept coming up in various ways.  I'm not one to speak about my emotions when it comes to death.  It scares me beyond belief and I hate seeing what loved ones go through when dealing with it, but I also think that the circle of life is an amazing concept.  We cry when we lose a loved one and we rejoice when a loved one is born.  It's the way this beautiful thing we call life works.  Last week as death kept presenting itself  I found myself thinking about my own life.  If my life were to be taken tomorrow would I have regrets?  Have I lived life to the fullest and done all that I have always wanted to? 

The answer was no.  Too many times I find myself living for tomorrow rather than today. 

Last week I bought an acoustic guitar.  It was my first step towards living for today.  I've been searching the net and YouTube for ways to learn to play.  It's been a lot of fun and although I'm really busy I try to put aside 30 minutes a day to learn.  I never said I've always wanted to be the next John Mayer but I'm working on one of my "I've always wanted to's".  Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and last week I was reminded of that over and over. When it's my time I don't want to have too many "I've always wanted to's" to be left undone.  I need to start living for today rather than tomorrow.

What have you always wanted to do, learn or experience?