Month: September 2019

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#49 Coffee with John

Where to begin? This was definitely a special encounter. So many takeaways.


But I guess the one that predominates is be adventurous, take risks.


If my previous post was about learning to say no, this one is about the complete opposite.

We need to let go and learn to say yes to new adventures in our lives. Excuses abound: I am too old; the place it’s too far; I have never been; what if they don’t like me; what will people say, and what about this and that.

At times in our lives, we need to put those concerns aside and just go with the flow. I am not saying to be careless or reckless but sometimes you just need to go for things in life without much thought, if that makes sense.

You never know where those new adventures will lead. You might end up rolling around in an open field, laughing, feeling the grass and ground underneath your body, and sharing a magical, wonderful moment on a sunny, Sunday afternoon — an afternoon and a moment in time that will fill your spirit and body with joy.

That moment of bliss might not last, but it will be etched in your soul, heart, and skin, informing and contributing to your vase of happiness.

So, go out there and be adventurous. That can mean anything, take a new route to work/home, listen to new music, talk to a stranger….the possibilities are endless.
If you do end up undertaking a new adventure in your life, let me know. I would love to hear all about it.

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#48 Coffee with John

Coffee with John #48

I have two major takeaways:

1) Sometimes you just need to say no, even to things you love. I committed last minute to meeting knowing I had pending work and a preoccupied mind – deadlines, a performance, house chores, etc. I met and I tried my best to be present and to be completely open to the process but I was not there 100%. All of which is not fair to the person that committed their time and energy to meet up with me. That’s all on me. If you can help it and have control over the situation, saying no is perfectly okay.

2) Take pause and put your judgments away. I try to be non-judgemental but I am not perfect. I came in to this meeting with preconceived notions and just a lot of baggage. Again, not fair to the person meeting me — a person that I don’t even recall meeting before but who was willing and made the effort to reach out to me. So, it’s all on me. I take responsibility for my own failings and hope to be a better person. I guess that’s another takeaway: opportunities present themselves for us to reflect and be better versions of ourselves.

PS: Again, no picture from the meeting so here is another picture from my trip to Colombia this summer.

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#47 Coffee with John

Coffee with John #47

Takeaway: Today is the youngest you will ever be. We can look back at all of the wonderful Throwback Thursday pictures and feel nostalgic about how young we looked or we can look in the mirror today and appreciate the years we have today.

This moment in time in your life is for the taking. The past is long gone and whatever you didn’t do back then, hate to tell you, that boat sailed away long ago. There are things you will never get back or get to pursue. Does this mean you don’t get second chances or that it is too late for this or that? No.

Today is your day to amend those relationships you always wanted to fix, take that class you always wanted to pursue, go on that trip you always dreamed of, call that friend you have been meaning to reach for the longest…today is a gift for you.

Take care of what’s in front of your – job, relationships, etc – but don’t forget you in the process.

PS- I thought I had a picture of the meeting up but I guess not. Just enjoy this one instead. Today is your day. Make it wonderful.

Palomino, Colombia 2019
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#46 Coffee with John

Each of the past 46 encounters have been magical. I have met some incredible people, sharing their time and stories with me. I have also gotten to know people better.

I so look forward to continuing on this journey.

My last meet up left me with an even greater appreciation of people’s willingness to spend an hour or two of their time with me.

Waking up to meet someone at 7AM you have only met once for a day is not an agreement most people will undertake…

My takeaway: the most generous and wonderful gift you can give someone is your time and a piece of your vulnerability, honesty, and heart. You never know the imprint you will make in their lives, even if temporary.

Here is a poem my new found friend shared with me on this 7AM meet up:

The Big Heart – Poem by Anne Sexton
Too many things are occurring for even a big heart to hold.’ – From an essay by W. B. Yeats

Big heart,
wide as a watermelon,
but wise as birth,
there is so much abundance
in the people I have:
Max, Lois, Joe, Louise,
Joan, Marie, Dawn,
Arlene, Father Dunne,
and all in their short lives
give to me repeatedly,
in the way the sea
places its many fingers on the shore,
again and again
and they know me,
they help me unravel,
they listen with ears made of conch shells,
they speak back with the wine of the best region.
They are my staff.
They comfort me.

They hear how
the artery of my soul has been severed
and soul is spurting out upon them,
bleeding on them,
messing up their clothes,
dirtying their shoes.
And God is filling me,
though there are times of doubt
as hollow as the Grand Canyon,
still God is filling me.
He is giving me the thoughts of dogs,
the spider in its intricate web,
the sun
in all its amazement,
and a slain ram
that is the glory,
the mystery of great cost,
and my heart,
which is very big,
I promise it is very large,
a monster of sorts,
takes it all in—
all in comes the fury of love.

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#45 Coffee with John

Running behind these posts: Coffee with John #45

I had a few takeaways from this encounter. Now I am just trying to remember them.

First, a takeaway for me: I need to expand my definition of spiritual. Or better yet, I need to define it for myself. The spectra of meanings are vast out there; the more I meet people, the range widens.

Second: sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar. We give or want to attach meaning to certain events/circumstances/coincidences when maybe what we need to do is be in that moment and let the mysteries of the universe work themselves out.

Last takeaway: grateful for people willing to meet up with me over coffee, tea or whatever they prefer. I truly appreciate each encounter.