I find myself yelling at strangers a lot, but only from the safety of my car with the windows rolled up.  I feel like people are so much more inconsiderate and selfish than they used to be.  No more please, thank you, or excuse me.  They text and drive.  Eat and drive.  Talk on the phone and drive.  They walk right into you at the grocery store like you’re not even there, and somehow it was your fault, even though they had their head down, looking at their phone.  

Last weekend my dearest friend Jaki invited me to stay with her in a barn in the middle of the woods for a night.  I was happy to accept, since I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with her as I’d like.  I had an amazing time scooting around the barn on a Razor scooter, playing basketball (I’m terrible), and teaching myself to juggle.  There was a swing on the inside of the barn with a peace sign on it, a reminder of what we probably need more of in our day-to-day. 

While Jaki got ready in the morning, I went outside and took some nature photos.  And then just stood still, realizing that I was alone for the first time in I don’t even know how long.  And it hit me that maybe I need this.  Maybe just getting away once it a while and being truly alone will help me to be a better person when I’m with others.  A little more tolerant.  A little more relaxed. 

Jaki and I will be back at that barn in the fall.