On the way to delay

On the way to Los Angeles this time I missed my connecting flight. I had been confused in the shuffle and had taken the shuttle to the wrong side of London Heathrow. But in the mean time, I met some lovely people...

John, the man who plans to sail the world in 2011. He told me that he wanted to pay off all his debts before going but that just the thought of it was really making his life worthwhile. After a few minutes of speaking he said that it was really nice to meet someone who didnt think he was crazy.

I met Damien the hippie kid with the fabulous dreads. I asked him how long it took to grow them out- he said 5 years. Originally from a small town in france he had just spent a year in Germany. I asked him where he lived- he said nowhere. I pointed out that actually meant he lives everywhere. He had visa trouble before but was now traveling to India to see his 8 month old son. His first child. He told me that being a father has changed everything.

I got to my new gate just in time for boarding, just in time to fly again. This time a little farther, a little faster, and perhaps a little higher. And as I sat in my seat, I realized that despite this obvious "mistake" on my part, nothing is ever wasted if I am present. I had a beautiful day on my way to delay.

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Something to Love

I did a funny thing last week.

Ive been frustrated about being unemployed. But its never that simple. I mean yea, Im a little scared when I realize that I only have 10 euros in my bank account. But my rent is payed through December and right now I have enough to eat. But thats not been the reason for the dark cloud over my head. Its that I wake up everyday with energy and hope and then somewhere between my first cup of coffee and checking my emails I realize that once again, I have nowhere to be. Nothing to further. Nothing that needs me. Everyone is talking about how hard the economy is and then to top it off, Im on the other side of the world, stacked with some very real employment disadvantages. Its a feeling of powerlessness.

So I flipped it.

I remember a few years ago in LA, I was unemployed for a bit. It was a weird time for me but I decided that while I was looking for jobs (there are only so many hours a day you can send out those online resumes before you start to go insane) I would volunteer my time. A simple equation: I have time- they need help. If Im not getting paid anyway, why not do something worthwhile?

I met the coolest people at the Los Angeles Mission. I worked there for a couple of weeks and really enjoyed myself. In the end, the main coordinator was leaving and she offered me her job. By that time, I had already secured a new job of my own. But it was nice to be asked.

But what I remember most is that it changed ME. Through helping, I was no longer powerless,useless or pointless anymore.

So last week I sent a few emails to some entrepenuer types I know. Some of my fabulously creative pals that on the regular seem to have too much on their plate. I asked if I could help totally free of charge.

Since then, I have been so busy. I wake up in the morning and feel a strong sense of purpose. And it was nice to learn that it wasnt about money or power or being able to control my destiny. Its about energy, effort and what Im here in this lovely space to do. Because in the end, we all need something to love.

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