38 people I met,
and what I learned from them
38 people I had coffee with this year. Here are some of their thoughts:
Peace within
Respect others and yourself.
Be okay with your past.
When you talk to yourself, be gentle.
Things don’t happen TO you. They are messages to explain the meaning in your life.
The power of one exists.
At 18, don’t take yourself too seriously. Ditto at 58!
You can always change your mind. It’s okay.
All about mama
There is no one magic formula for being a good mother.
Tetas (grandmothers) always mean well, but they’re not always right.
When mom leaves this earth, things change fundamentally.
Mother is always right. Including mother earth.
No matter how old we get, we don’t want to disappoint mom.
Sometimes you sit to hear someone’s story. It turns out it’s all about their parent. About the one they love.
You can see yourself as the end game or a link in a chain.
A father or a father figure is a rock in your life.
Jedo (grandpa) is always right :-).
Stand for something
Some people cannot stand unfairness. They’ll do anything to fight it.
You can be a revolutionary and still seek a normal dull life.
You have to say your word and don’t leave words unsaid.
Sometimes you have to cross swords with the closest people.
Freedom of speech is beautiful but should never steep to get filthy.
Winning without dignity is not winning.
People may not like you, but if you have integrity, they’ll at least respect you.
The ones who look the most fragile can be the most courageous.
When tested, go back to your roots, your values, your principles.
Belong
Belonging is beautiful.
You never forget where you grew up: places, smells, food.
The best thing that can happen to a refugee is to return home.
You’ll boomerang to your roots, no matter how far away you go.
You carry your name, your family name, and your nation with you.
Too much individuality? Life in a community can be happier, healthier, and longer.
Some people are born to stay in one place. Others are born to keep moving.
Neighborhoods are the people.
6 degrees of separation works. Three I interviewed had a connection with Nelson Mandela.
Rituals are good.
Passion
If you’re passionate about your work, it won’t be work.
Passion is not something you decide to have or abandon. It’s part of your state of being.
Have a passion for something. For someone.
A passion helps you experience life abundantly.
If you have a dream and want it to happen, you’ll do whatever it takes.
Immerse yourself. It’s exhilarating and will still cost you.
The earlier you figure out what you want from life, the more rewarding your journey will be.
Happiness
Some of the wealthiest people are the most lonely.
Pain fuels the desire for life.
There’s no competition in pain.
Money does not necessarily make a happy life.
Even when you’re sad, music gives you a happy sadness.
People regret.
Even in war, good things happen.
Giving is a way to joy.
Live
Whatever you do, do with intent. For yourself and others.
Some people are spared death to fulfill their mission on earth.
Practice appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude.
Hug life. Be happy. Your energy will attract.
Be grateful to everyone. You did not make it on your own.
Gratefulness empowers.
You are here for a visit. A one-time visit. Make it worthwhile.
Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.
When you lose a dear one, you don’t forget. You cope.
As for death, deal with it. It’s part of life.
Love
Unconditional love wins every single time.
You can love and marry your childhood friend.
Food is a love language that unites people.
While you can fall in love with a person, you can also fall in love with a place and its people.
God
Faith and God are always present.
You can count on Jesus.
God works miracles. Including finding you your spouse.
All people are equal in the eyes of God.
Seek God. It’s a joyful journey in and by itself.
Some people are not religious, yet they pray.
Yoga and religion can flirt in grey areas.
Learn
There’s nothing more invigorating, tiring, and heart-breaking than living your face-it stage.
Problems have solutions.
You learn by genuinely listening to others.
You can learn to manage separation and embrace loneliness.
Teachers have the biggest impact on a spirit.
If there’s something you shouldn’t say, keep it to yourself.
You can learn as much from a 12-year-old as from a 72.
Invest in youth. They are the living present.
One wanted to speak all languages as her superpower. If you had to pick a superpower, what would it be?