Surround Yourself With Love

Finding Myself Along the Way

The younger version of me

As you travel through life, there is the inevitable discovery of self. I remember when I was eighteen. I moved out on my own and the realities of adult life along with all the accompanying responsibilities hit hard. It was difficult and I made some horrible decisions. In the summer of my 18th year I moved to Colorado and was taken in by my very generous, kind-hearted aunt. With a sense of stability once again, I got to work on what “I was going to do with my life”. I burnt through several jobs and I was becoming disillusioned with adult life very quickly. But, with the love of my aunt, my mom, friends and other family members I etched out a direction of sorts.

I must be honest. Today, it would be very difficult to recognize that younger version of myself. With time comes wisdom (ideally) and with each lesson learned, character is built (ideally). Like nearly every other single soul on this planet, I still do not have it all figured out. But, let me say this dear friends, there is so much I have learned.

Thank You

With each year that has passed, I have realized I could not have done anything without the help of family and friends. To every single soul that is a part of my life, my circle, let me say, I would not be who I am if not for you. I truly believe deep down that the universe is made up of a series of circles. Every single soul inhabiting this planet subsequently travels around these circles within circles within circles. In the midst of these circles are groups of people – our people. Spouses, parents, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, mentors, acquaintances and even kindly “strangers” are all there to help us along the way. I am thankful and grateful for every single soul I know and have yet to know within my circle.

Friends that have stepped in through the years to show me the way. Family that steps in when I need them the most to give me a much-needed boost. A chance conversation with a stranger that brightens one particular day. There is one universal truth within the human kingdom — we all need each other. There is also a universal need within each soul and it is the need for human contact, unconditional love, and simply feeling needed, wanted, cherished and valued.

A Day to Remember

This post was inspired after attending my uncle’s 70th birthday. I am introverted so I do tend to shy away from events where there will be large groups of people gathered. I have to say that attending this party was a blessed day for me. I reconnected with cousins including one I have not seen in nearly three decades. Conversations flowed, laughter struck the air, hugs were exchanged and the smiles and good feelings were plentiful. It was an amazing day. I am blessed beyond words and this day was a glorious reminder of this.

My Uncle Dennis Celebrating his 70th Birthday.

I have friends old and new that read this blog and to you, I thank you most humbly for being a part of my life, a part of my circle. Friends, family, acquaintances, passers-by… all a part of the wonderful, beautiful, glorious circles of life.

Thank you kindly for reading.

6 thoughts on “Surround Yourself With Love

  1. Eve

    Hi Benjy – your uncle looks very good and healthy, and certainly not his age …. and I wish him many happy years!!
    And I want to ask you – what was a guy who says he is introverted, doing getting a job at a GUEST RANCH??
    I so look forward to seeing you….. have safe trip!

  2. Benny Post author

    Hi there Eve,

    Speaking of one of my great friends who has helped me along the way. 🙂

    My uncle does look good doesn’t he? He’s a great guy.

    I do okay with small groups for the most part and I do love talking to people but overall, I think I veer more toward introversion as opposed to extroversion. I learned from your niece actually that the misconception is that introversion is synonymous with shyness but that’s not necessarily all of it. I found this great post which explains it better than I ever could. I have more in common with the right column.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/difference-between-introverts-extroverts-chart_us_57f794c2e4b0b6a430316b3a

    I so look forwards to seeing you too Eve. It will be an amazing trip. Looking forward to Bisbee. Much love to you.

    1. Benny Post author

      Hi there Libby,

      You are very sweet and kind. Thank you. I am so blessed to have you as a writing partner and there to help me when I need it. Take good care and have a great Friday and weekend!

  3. Frank Montellano

    Good stuff Benny. Your words about your circle led me to a dark place in my own writing, so I thank you for that. I have to go and muse on the meanings. Your post is full of introspection, gratitude and warmth.

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