I haven’t written anything on this Web site in months. It has not been intentional neglect; rather, I have been lacking the inspiration to write. Not even the inspiration– I have a laundry list of things that inspire me every day in my life. And it’s not even that I haven’t been writing; I’ve already turned in one research paper and half a dozen critical responses on readings for my Understanding Asia class. Not to mention studying Chinese language and reading assignments for two other history classes. So, lack of blogging has not been due to lack of thought-provoking ideas.
The issue has been my hesitation to write something about my life, that, to me, seems ordinary.
Recently though, I started reading my friend Stacey’s blog. She is chronicling her year studying Mandarin Chinese in Beijing, and her stories of everyday life and building her own little world in the Chinese capital are entertaining and hopeful. Stacey was my roommate for one of the two months I spent there (2007), and so some of her irritations and joys I completely understand. Others, I hope to experience for myself one day. Her writing is also a huge collection of her thoughts on her life, and I realize that I can do that right here, about my life in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Today, for instance, I went stroller shopping with my roommate Brandie and her boyfriend Kyle. They are expecting a baby at the end of July, and with every passing day, I learn more about pregnancy and what grows out of it. I see Brandie, and while inside she is nurturing a baby, outside, I see her growing into a lovely adult. Her and Kyle are facing realities I have never had to face, and while not always easy, they have embraced the challenge. There are so many things to learn about babies, which up until this point have been things I dismissed for a “later” period in life. From conversations I have had with her recently, Brandie sees her pregnancy as a very spiritual experience, changing her perspective in far more ways than just the reality of no loner worrying about herself. And while not planned, she has pretty incredible circumstances, a lot of support, and an amazing partner for the journey. It was so great learning about the strollers with them today, and seeing them walk it around the house.
This is just one change that accompanies the new year, a year which, in only a few months, has already been another huge step further into life. I see wonderful things unfolding before my eyes. So much makes me think, makes me thankful, and keeps me smiling every day. So many things inspire me. Writing it all down is essential.
Please keep writing.