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Appreciating humankind (Portugal solo-trip, post pandemic)


I wanted to write about people out there, human beings, and the joy it can bring simply to know that they exist. And even if we only got to have them in our lives briefly. 

I recently went solo travelling once more, and met inspiring people at the hostel and among the locals as I opened my eyes and let my notion explore. There are those in life I only came to met briefly and those I knew for longer, but who turned into a memory as we no longer (for one reason or another) shared a path. I can, and have learned, to appreciate their gift to the world (and to themselves) in simply being human and growing into becoming who they need. As well as being able to find thankfulness and (if needed) strength, in life´s uplifting simplicity. 

- There were the kind hostel workers, mostly young men- still finding their feet, still not knowing where they wanted to be, but thankful for their wonderful community.

- There was a girl in the bed above me- the first night she arrived we giggled as I helped her with my flashlight, she had built a life abroad, far away from home, and still picking up the mental pieces her divorce had left her in, but surfing the waves of anxiety with honesty and kindness- and so rest and laughter settled in. 

- There was a girl who had just arrived for her student exchange, alone in a new city- nervously laughing as we (and hostel staff) helped her navigate the streets. 

There was a young girl as well as an retired older lady, who both happened to be preparing and building their faith in hiking the 500 miles long Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. They happened to be lucky enough to find the support and advice in each other, as they got closer to the day. 

- There was the sad girl working at the ice-cream parlor who I could hear crying at the back, and who brightened up when a lady with a toddler and her dog, and me, (the customers) were joyful and uplifting, and flexible with what she had. 

- There was the old man who was so proud of his wife, as he sold her crafted pieces at her atelier. She followed her dreams- and by supporting her he helped her make them true- now there is some real love for you. 

- There were the two other female patients I met, as I checked myself in to the hospital with a supposed panic attack, dehydration and stomach flu. Just like me, they had anxiety disorders too. They knew how I felt, they helped me with their stories- that of those like us there are so many- and we are together in this too, And then asked about my trip, keeping me calm through talking that was the trick, as my body was shaking until the nurse finally entered the IV drip. Their kindness and warmth in their own place of distress makes me think of them once more. They inspired me- by simply being who they are- learning about their difficulties and living life fully with its scars. I wish my head had been clearer, that I could have listened to them more.

- Then as I mentioned, there are dear friends, long-term, near and far, that at some point might have simply disappeared or found themselves needing to walk a different path, in order to honor themselves and find out who they truly are. 


And despite our parting, I feel joy for their existence, inspired and appreciative of their journey, and hold them close to my heart. This world is blessed with wonderful and ever growing people, and that gives me comfort, and strength to walk on. 

Sometimes its a smile after a cloud they've been carrying that we witnessed, their pure joy for life or their kind gesture, authenticity, vulnerability, honesty or seeing them trying (despite blowing winds) to find their true selves. 
Human beings are inspiring, 
- I tell you that. 


So, in conclusion; In this short time we are alive we have the honor of meeting people who inspire us and give us inner warmth, and who then continue their journey, we could look at it sadly, like we lost something that we own (this goes in particular for long-term friends that we may have known). But if we (even when it is difficult to accept) set ourselves in their story aside, and find thankfulness in these wonderful people that crossed our path and then moved forward, where they needed to be, to live their lives, we can learn to appreciate their journey and the beauty that comes alive.

And that, (not the loss) is the note I choose to take with me as I move ahead in life. 

People, 
being truthful to themselves in this short time, 
Gives me hope for humankind. 

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