I MIGHT OCCASSIONALLY blog about more than nature this year. I’m starting to feel that it’s the right thing to do… even though doing it, being more open about other subjects – especially politics – could well be a poor ‘career’ move, could lose me readers and book sales, and could even damage a few personal connections. But, right now, sharing ‘my truth’ feels too important. Plus, I am not only a writer of travel narratives, outdoor journeys and nature experiences. My two books, first and foremost, are memoirs. For better or worse, writing about my experiences and my thoughts is what I do. It’s part of who I am.
I’ll start by re-sharing a post I recently made on social media. I’m doing it here to nail my colours to the mast in regards to recent political events in the U.S..
“I’ve never before made a direct post on the political ‘issue of the day’ – although goodness knows I’ve been tempted. My influence is negligible and the arguments such posts typically lead to seldom make the world a better place. But ‘not commenting’ this time feels wrong. It feels the same as saying: ‘I’m okay with this’. But I am most definitely NOT okay with it.
I believe in treating ALL people with kindness and compassion. I believe in caring for nature and our planet. To support and celebrate the opposite is beyond my comprehension.”
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Moving on, I also want to blog about something more positive… because I think it’s vitally important to celebrate the good stuff in life and the good people. So, here’s a short story to do exactly that.
Yesterday, I reconnected with my best friend from school, another Andrew. We fell out of contact around 1987, which was mostly my fault because that was the year I turned inward, beginning a hidden rough patch. But I never forgot my old friends, especially Andrew. As the years and then decades went by I wondered how he was doing, even searched for him online. But not everyone has a prominent online life it seems, or uses social media – to their credit! Eventually, I imagined that the friendship really was lost for good.
But then, late last week, one of the most inspirational individuals I’ve ever known, who was Akela when I was a cub scout, and who remains a guide to me now, and an example in how to live a good life, ran into my old friend and – incredibly – became the catalyst in helping two friends reunite.
The two Andrews spoke yesterday via a video call that lasted well over an hour, although it seemed like minutes. I suspect we could have talked for days! We’d been out of touch for almost forty years but it was clear from the start that our friendship was still there. Although, obviously, a great deal has changed with both of us it was also instantly apparent that nothing essential had changed at all. I saw my friend. It was like only days had passed. Just looking at his familiar face, and hearing his voice and words, was like… (and I’ve searched hard for an appropriate simile)… like being transported back home. It was the most incredible and profoundly reassuring thing!
Political events this week had put on dampener on my enthusiasm for life, but the reconnection has reminded me of everything that is important, that most people are good and do good, and that life IS amazing. Right now, post-video call, and also post-mountain run, I have to say: I’m crushing on life! I’m buzzing!
So, here’s to celebrating the good things and the good people… the Akelas of this world, those who aren’t only it for themselves. Here’s to celebrating all the people who make the world a better place.
Here’s to celebrating friendships old and new.
And finally, here’s to NEVER letting friendships die!
