Being around people is another good way to get to know more of who you are.
Last weekend, I didn’t feel like doing much. It’s not like me to be sitting around the house; however, I didn’t have the “right” energy to get ready and go out. The chilly day called for a cozy fire, and a glass of smooth red wine. A pleasant way to spend the evening with my family. However, in the back of my mind I remembered a friend’s invitation to a Christmas party at her house, and I knew it wouldn’t be nice to decline the offer, especially because she just purchased the home. My husband was not much for going out, either. It was up to my daughter. But since she knew there would be other kids to play with; the choice was clear. We dragged ourselves up from the couch, got ready, and went into the unknown.
There were around twenty cars parked on the street and lawn. Big party. Lots of people. I noticed there would be at least two couples that we know well, which was enough to be comfortable in a new place. As we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the hosts. We took off our coats. I quickly scanned the rooms… I know this one, this one, this one.. I don’t know this one, this one, etc… My husband found his buddies in no time, and was having fun. My daughter hung around with me for a bit, but it wasn’t too long when she also went over to her friends. I began to make my way through the house.
People are fascinating. Talking. Listening. Connecting. I like watching others. Maybe it’s a bit weird. But I enjoy observing the way people interact with each other. In turn, I enjoy interacting with them. At the end of the night, I’ve met a lot of new individuals. Laughing, talking. It was very pleasant, indeed. I like people. I like to listen to their stories. Some people are more open and deep, and some are just fun to be around. We all have something to say, and with that, we offer a piece of ourselves to the common energy of the Universe. But it was really my friend who surprised me that night. While chatting and catching up on life, a lady who I spoke with briefly earlier on, came over and gave me a hug out of nowhere. I didn’t think of it much. Until my friend stated, “Doesn’t Ewa have the most amazing energy? Where ever she goes, she draws people to her. She’s such a warm and beautiful person.” The lady agreed, and said some other pleasant words. I was touched, and truly surprised. I’ve known my friend for twenty four years, and this was the most endearing validation I’ve received from her. External complements are nice, but when one notices the inside, oohhh, that’s really nice. It’s something far more beautiful. It meant a lot. It always means a lot, mainly because I’m my own worst critic. Always trying to fix something, funny thing is, that perhaps that something doesn’t even need fixing. And it reminded me of these few words of wisdom that someone shared with me once, “Be compassionate to others, but don’t forget to be compassionate towards yourself as well.” We all tend to forget, it’s important to be kind and good to others, but we must also be kind and good to ourselves. That person inside, wants to hear words of encouragement and love, not just from the outside world, but actually from the person itself just as much, if not more.
“To love yourself right now, just as you are, is to give yourself heaven. Don’t wait until you die. If you wait, you die now. If you love, you live now.” Alan Cohen