Being Around Wonderful People

This evening I'm basking in the afterglow of a day spent with wonderful people. I just love being with positive, energetic, amazing human beings - and there are a few of them about!

Whether it's having someone truly listen to you, and take the time to hear your story; whether it's the energy you get from teaching a receptive student, who appreciates the opportunity to learn, and is open to the exciting beauty of knew knowledge; or whether it's returning home to the steady rock in your life - all these are wonderful things.

There's something alchemical about the process of speaking and being heard. (This, of course, is why therapy works.)

There's also something unmistakable and irreplaceable about that feeling of being fully alive, of being energized and motivated and creative, that you experience after spending time with someone positive, open, creative and ... well, just plain fantastic.

So, to all you wonderful people in my life - near and far, "real" and "virtual", "old" and "new" - thank you for gracing me with your presence - it is appreciated.

Tips for Happy, Successful Long Distance Driving with your Beloved

Today the dearly beloved and I drove from Melbourne to Adelaide. We arrived safely, in a timely manner – and still in love ©

However, I’ve made a mental list of things to keep in mind for next time:

1.       Compromise is a sign of true love

Our musical tastes have diverged over time. We could (read “should”) have spent some time organizing a mutually agreeable playlist over the last week ... but didn’t. Result: when Pete was driving, we were listening to ABC local radio; when I was driving, SILENCE – or idle chit chat! (The sound of that radio was driving me up the wall after an hour or so.)

2.       The dashboard’s fine the way it is

Sweetheart, I’ve driven literally tens of thousands of kilometres on interstate roads over the years. I know what I’m doing. I can overtake trucks safely. The dashboard has a lovely embossed texture already; your fingerprints will not enhance it. (Thank you for trying to hide your nervous gripping from me.)

3.       Activate your frontal lobe ... and keep it activated

I, the non-smoker, won’t comment when your cigarette fumes waft back into the car during a break. You, the non-napper, won’t comment when I’ve drifted off to sleep for an hour or so. See? Everyone’s happy.

4.       Keep your eye on the big picture

Yes, darling, you’re right. The 50km before Horsham did take forever. But in the context of almost 800km, we can let it go, yes?