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 We sat by the window, watching people stroll by in the night. "This is such a great people watching spot," she said. I nodded, and sipped my steamed milk. She sipped her coffee as we continued to sit in a comfortable silence, watching the traffic and the mix of people come and go. This was our last time to do this, before she leaves New York for her new life. Another goodbye, another friend gone. We caught up, traded stories, and she sought my advice. Sometimes I wonder why people ask me for advice. It's not that I give bad advice, but I wonder if my thoughts or opinions really make a big difference? (I feel like I spit out quotes and proverbs half the time.) I mused out loud this one time, and she told back then, "You have a calming presence, and you're strong... and you're Amy." (Well, I don't know about those things, but I am Amy!) As we sat talking, she said, "You have a realistic way of thinking, you're a realist." That caught me off guard, as I've always thought myself to be an idealist. I'm filled with romantic notions and the philosophy that you should do what you love. I replied, "I'm an idealist with a rational way of thinking..." She snapped her fingers and pointed at me and said, "That's it!" She continued talking as I sat listening and thoughtfully responded. I am an idealist, or at least I subscribe to idealistic ways. However, I am reasonable and for the most part, the decisions I've made in my life reflect... reality, the cold hard truth. I don't think I've actually lived out any of my dreams or what I'd like to do. But for others, whenever I give advice, it reflects my ideals. I tell people to pursue what's in their hearts, have hope, don't give in and so on. I, once again, project what I don't have or do onto others. And I do it because I want to see people happy, or at least content with the decisions they've made. I don't want them to be miserable. I don't want them to be sad. This is a good thing, right? (Of course, I know when to stop going overboard with the whole "reach for the stars!" spiel. I know when rational thought should kick in, and when to tell someone that this is the reality of the situation.) The last thing she said me, before we parted, was, "3 years down the line, I'm gonna be having another conversation with you... and you'll know what to say. You always do." No TrackBacksTrackBack URL: http://www.toastier.org/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/415 |
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Hi, my name is Amy. Be well, and say hello!
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Don't underestimate the power of a smile and a kind word. Occasionally all we need to carry on is a positive perspective: it's the seed crystal in the supersaturated solution of your day. (Ms. L would be proud, I hope.)