You know how some holidays look seemingly the same? Thanksgiving has the family gathering at my grandparents, too much food, lots of laughs, and a nice time to catch up on what everyone is doing. Christmas just adds gift giving. Fourth of July, though, is always different.
Last year I was in SD and went to Mount Rushmore on the 4th with my twinny. The year before that I was chilling in FW with cool kids. As a kid, my family would watch firework shows from roof buildings or, when really young, shoot our own off at my Uncle's. My most favorite 4th is hands down the time I was in Washington D.C. with my parents and friends standing in the Mall, watching the fireworks explode overhead so brilliantly and so closely; it was as if you reached up, you could touch them!
Some years are more memorable than others, for sure. I think this year will be memorable because of the days leading up to the 4th, not the day itself, ironically.
It ended up being a long weekend (and now a short work week, hallelujah!) due to a "down day" at my current job. As it would turn out, I would have 3 or so options: I had an invite by a guy I met to do local stuff, I had the kinda last minute idea to go all the way over to Yellowstone/Grand Teton because it's so pretty, or I had the invite to go explore ND with a brand new friend. All good, fun options! I would not be bored or alone, yay!
As it turns out, I asked another new friend what he had going on to make small talk, if I remember correctly. I mentioned my Yellowstone idea since the long weekend gave ample time and didn't know if that would happen again this summer. He got excited because he had never been but wanted to go. Decision made. We were going to Yellowstone!
Last minute planning ensued. It was then that my brand new friend swung by my office, introduced herself, and invited me to ND. I mentioned the current plan of Yellowstone and said she was welcome to join. She got excited because that was her first idea since she's engaged and wanted to look at venues but found lodging too expensive or already booked. Decision made. The three of us were going to Yellowstone!
Although I've never had this happen exactly for travel buddies and we really only knew each other by name in the clinic we share as a work place, we got along swimmingly. We enjoyed each other and the parks. We saved money, took turns driving, had no drama, laughed and sang songs, and got to do what we wanted. It was wonderful.
I also gleaned some important stuff:
1) This is life. Go with it. You'll love it.
It seemed slightly odd at first how the three of us got together. Then again, it doesn't seem that way at all. I have my stable friends that I love dearly but they're definitely not all around to do things with nor are they able to join the party. I know this. It stinks and I can't do anything about it, but I'm still going to do the things I love!
Thanks be to God, I have "the best personality" so I'll make friends, no matter how short-lived. I think this was sorta in the three of ours blood seeing as how we're all military. Things change all the time! People move, deploy, get out, retire, etc. so you just gotta enjoy the people you're around while they're around. So, yeah, go on nice, long weekend adventures with new friends.
2) Actions speak loudly. Listen to what you and others are saying.
I like to be quiet and/or be alone to talk to God, sift through thoughts and feelings, and make decisions. Hiking is a good time for this. I was out in the gloriously beautiful, natural surroundings looking at a moose in Moose Ponds (but of course!), running my fingers through tall grasses and flowers as butterflies flitter in the air with grace right in front of me (cue Sound of Music), soaking in the sun's rays at a spectacular point of interest (or really, "inspiration point") after a magnificent waterfall, gleefully trying to feed a tomato to a chipmunk (I know, don't feed the wildlife... I typically don't; he was just too cute!), flabbergastedly observing the vibrant, prismatic colors of the hot springs (So incredible! How did I not see them on my first visit?!), or trying to fully take in the majestic-ness of the mountains looming so elegantly in the not too far off distance (They called for me to climb them someday). I wanted everything hiking and nature had to offer and got it.
I also said I wanted to unplug and got it. However, once I got it, I realized I didn't really, really want it. My phone was on the fritz and I couldn't do much with it. Limited communication, for sure. Ugh. What if I missed something?! Come to find out, I didn't. Haha! Silly, Jessie. Service came back and, it's true, if people want to talk to you, they will. This is what others are saying.
Furthermore, I wanted clarity on a few personal things and got it. One being what will come in the future, which I've decided not to be anxious about since A) God is in control, B) what I think will happen more than likely won't and C) I have more important things to do with my present in order to reach my goals. The second clarification was with dating. Sometimes I just have to laugh and say wow ...and see where my heart really is! Although, it's true, the heart is deceitful, so I'm going with my gut. This is what I'm saying.
3) Reading helps your soul. And that heart of yours.
After reflection outdoors as stated above and after reading my Bible and "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero, I knew taking the time for all these things was no mistake and would literally do me wonders. Being outside and reading my Bible typically have immediate results of a new mindset, restfulness, a calm, an uplifted spirit, guidance, and more. The brightly covered book I picked up and devoured will prove beneficial now and in time.
That book pretty much put my butt in gear! Pun intended with the title ;) I am so motivated to do stuff! I mean, I have big goals to reach!! I'm going to embrace where I am, who I am, and where I want to be. I know I'm not there right now and there's a lot to change but I'm motivated, I've decided.
Want to travel the world? Yes! I'm going to make money and use it responsibly and as a good tool while sticking to my budget and planning the darn thing!
Want to make more money? Yes! I'm going to explore new and different avenues (more to come) of interest to help my dream come to fruition.
Want to get past your past? Yes! Dig through the mess to find the root cause and get rid of it. My mind will be renewed by Christ.
Want to get the things you want? Yes! Write them down, get a plan of action, pay for professional help, mix with people you want to be like, have a mentor and/or role-model, LOVE YOURSELF, and maybe most importantly MAKE A DECISION to accomplish my goals absolutely no matter what!!
In the end, this 4th of July got me breaking out of the usual and into living life, into what I anticipate being crazy awesome.
