Last night I celebrated the high school graduation of a friend I have known since he was a little baby. The room was full of friends I have known and loved since I was a teenager. I know all of them through the community I've known since I was born. It has been a long time since I could be in a room like this. I feel so lucky.
I grew up in a community of eccentric hippies walking up to me and saying “I remember you when you were this small.” To now be the guy in the room with long hair and a beard, telling teens in the room “I remember when,” it suddenly brought up a lot of feelings. Ultimately, it felt very right and special. Modern life has made it a rare thing to be part of a community where people can stray away from, and come back to the family-like group like the ones I’m close to. It makes me want to preserve the cycle.
I woke up this morning with a big stretch and a funny groan that made me erupt in a loud, goofy laugh. From my walk around the block to cooking breakfast, I’ve been floating on the energy from last night. I loved seeing everybody so much. It really recharged me. I’m going to carry this with me for as long as I can.