Airports seem strangely unchanging, and always under construction; people, too.
Every moment of this trip has offered opportunity to reflect on my own changing self. I keep finding myself surprised at how considerate, friendly, helpful and kind people are, because it hasn’t been my lifelong experience with people. I have been hurt, treated with cruelty, dismissed, demeaned, exploited, punished, and traumatized. In return, I am learning that I have hurt people, been cruel, dismissive, demeaning…willing to exploit others, and to punish them for perceived wrongs or maltreatment. I have no doubt, at this point, that people I have cared about have been treated thoughtlessly, by me, and worse, may have been traumatized in some way through their association with me.
I am learning to be kind, to be compassionate and understanding, and to recognize when someone feels hurt; because I treat the world differently, the world seems to be returning the favor. It feels much nicer this world where people are kind, helpful, compassionate and pleasant. 🙂
This has been a meaningful trip, far beyond the business successes, and polite pleasantries. I head for home eager to hold my loves in my arms again, but I am not lonely, or homesick; I am always holding them in my heart.
This is what it feels like to have a heart.
Evening Light 