"You wake up every morning looking for your answer..." The beginning of Something to Believe In by Parachute is a fairly accurate description of the beginnings of my days. I look for reasons to smile, to wonder, to laugh, and to learn, and despite all the metaphorical cloudy days, almost every day there's something to be happy about. Interactions with my friends, peers and teachers make the tough stuff worthwhile when I am presented with myriad reasons to love what I do and where I am. Below I've included several literary snapshots of instances when I've felt completely and utterly content. Read on if you wish, and see the world how I see it for the briefest of moments. (And if you can find a mention of yourself in here, college friends, know that you've made me very, very happy, though you'll see no names in these anecdotes.)
Some days we eat in silence, each person consumed by thought while plowing through the piles of food that sit before him. Words are few and far between, aside from greetings and goodbyes. It is a time solely to be together - no words are necessary, just the presence of the others. We stare off into space, or we look around at each other, shooting someone an occasional smile but otherwise focusing on what we hear and feel - the sounds of eating and breathing, the feeling of family that keeps us in our little bubble, no matter how close others may be sitting.
Some days we eat amidst a cacophony of our own laughter, talking vivaciously and discussing the most random of topics. Inside jokes are often born on nights like these, and both complete reason and utter nonsense are thrown around like baseballs (or Frisbees, as the case may be). Within the madness there is structure and grace - complete order in the midst of chaos, for we alone understand our interactions. When even we are confused, it is only cause for more laughter. Nights like these are almost surreal - look into the knowing eyes of the one you're conversing with and it can seem like all else is irrelevant.
Some days we laugh until breathing becomes a chore, exchanging bad puns and trying to best each other at wordplay. While it can seem as though we become distracted, we usually have some connection between the games and the task at hand. We reassure each other and aid in the development of strengths. We smile and discuss, not always seeing eye to eye but always agreeing on mastery and beauty. We appreciate the simple as well as the complex and are slow to dismiss. We see everyone shine, and we cherish them for their luminance.
Some days we argue over diction, syntax and "deeper meaning." We discuss things like purpose and intent, and we wonder many things. Despite our knowledge, some details and answers still evade us, but as long as we remain in pursuit, we enjoy every minute of the chase.
Some days we exchange sleepy hellos in the stairwells or across the hallways. We straggle into class, eager to see what lies ahead yet unwilling to think about it at such an early hour. We wonder and question the past, present and future of our craft unintentionally, yet the simple discoveries we make can also be the most eye-opening.
Some days we celebrate. Whether it be a birthday or an upcoming achievement or a promise to come to a concert, we support each other irrevocably. We comfort and promise, if not forever, then for a long time to come. We inspire each other and renew hope and belief in all that is good in the world. We appreciate each other's strengths and help overcome weaknesses.
Some days we burn off steam. We lunge and throw and catch and run, all in the name of a white plastic disc. We learn new things, we see different sides of each other, we prove our prowess or lack thereof. We encourage and coax until new, wonderful things come to life. It is a time for thinking less and experiencing more.
Some days we help each other. Challenges are presented that require thinking, analysis and eventual comprehension. New questions are asked each day, and new answers are discovered each time a question is presented. Processes are established and tested, then verified or changed and tested again. Through it all, patience prevails; that which must be done is better when not done alone.
Some days we communicate when we can't meet up. Texts are exchanged, the occasional smiley makes an appearance, and discussions can last as little as five minutes or as long as three hours. Not much is said, to be honest, but what IS said has value - when we take the time to listen and reply despite distance and other commitments, everything in the friendship becomes stronger.
Some days we go on impromptu field trips. No matter the hour, "let's go" is often the only phrase necessary to begin such an adventure. Trifles like shoes can be optional, and the memories made on late-night excursions can be among the most vivid. Despite the darkness, light makes itself known in the destinations of our choice and the spirit of our hearts. New things are tried, and silliness abounds, but at the end of it all we come home safely and revel in our experiences.
Hopefully this look into the little moments in life reminded you, as it did me, that not all days are cloudy, metaphorically or literally. The greatest of things can come from the smallest of instances, and I look forward to all which is still to come.
Love you all,
Megan
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