Linda – a painter and published poet – on a good laugh, the soul of a woman and how The Beatles had it right…love is all you need.
1. Two-Way Street.
I’ve seen that in order for people to care about my culture and traditions, I have to show that I care about theirs. Learning their language rather than expecting them to know my language is a good place to start. It says, “I am a foreigner and honored to be here. Thank you for letting me be here.” Showing interest is a two-way street that can go a long way on your journey.
2. Age ain’t nothing but a number, ladies.
The body ages but the heart and soul of a woman remain young forever; that’s why when she sees a cute guy with long hair on a bicycle, guitar on his back, she still thinks he is game – no matter how old she happens to be!
3. Empathize when it’s hard.
In any language and across continents, hurt people, hurt others. It isn’t always easy to empathize with people who wrong us but remembering this makes it easier to deal with those who are brisk, rude or outright hurtful in their interactions.
4. Distance, does indeed, make the heart grow fonder.
Often we think living in close proximity builds close relationships but I’ve found that distance can teach us a lot about love too. For me, it is the people I don’t see everyday that my mind tends to wonder about, to think about. I invest more time or attention maintaining those relationships because they are far and because I know it will be a while before we are together again. This, in turn, reminds me to appreciate and be grateful for the ones who are near; to not take for granted what is always there.
5. Happy Trails.
Love the strangers you meet, love the new friends you make, love the old memories and find the courage to create new ones; open your heart in genuine ways to those you meet. Let anyone and everyone plant seeds inside your heart to flourish and become new friendships….leave trails of who you are wherever you travel.
6. A good laugh can cure almost anything.
There is almost nothing that I can’t cure with a good laugh …when I’m feeling nostalgic, wondering what the heck I am doing so far from home and roots, feeling overwhelmed and out of place, I think of a joke, or watch a funny video, or remember a time I laughed hysterically and relive it. Instant mood booster – at least until the next bout of nostalgia.
7. Love is all you need.
I know that The Beatles and all other musicians or poets that have basically said, “All you need is LOVE” are absolutely, undeniably, and most surely correct. Wherever I’ve traveled, regardless of the cultural differences that exist, I know that – in every interaction, no matter the circumstance – showing love and kindness is always the right answer.