At this point, we are standing again to watch or watch and judge. To some of us, change is incomprehensible. But we don’t have to understand. More important, we can’t and shouldn’t, stop people who have dreams from following them. Everybody goes their own way, takes their own wave and sometimes we ride together. Experience is what makes us different. Pain, fear and negative thoughts can attack us, and occasionally we block. Old, more comfortable ways are endangered. Perceptions of what might happen override the ability to ride a new wave. Where does this misunderstanding of the unknown and abnormal come from? Why is there no place in the heart for acceptance?

“That doesn’t mean I need to have rainbow hair!” Sophie continues. “All our memories and emotions, everything becomes part of our own personality and occupies a special place in our heart. They shape and change you. You cannot stop it. Only ignorance and fear of the unknown stops people from doing it.”

‘Perhaps I am addicted to change and flowing on the course of times. It might be the taste of freedom which makes me to feel this way. There is more out there in the world. There are beautiful places in the world you have no idea of. Once you are travelling, many people report about the difficulty of going back home and reverting to the old ways. Move on whenever you want. If problems arise that are impossible to fix, just get on the plane.’

I thought about what she said. Perhaps it isn’t a decision to travel, but a drive to see the outside of boundaries, and a natural desire for freedom, expanse and adventure; a learning experience in desiring and finding change, and embracing it.

Change is happening

It does sound like running away when change does not fit or is it running towards? Or is this a tic which some people have that will never come to rest? How shall we deal with the course of time and when is it time to face the change? How do we find out when it’s time to surrender the urge to something else; something new, something distant?

After a while, do we find something for which it is worthwhile to remain, or do we get tired of travelling, or do we need to rest from time to time, before we make or embrace the next change?

Interpersonal relationships come into play. Connections have been made, and so have friendships, and emotions are part of everyday life.

‘There’s a time for everything.’ Sophie continued. ‘In the past, connections were made, which seemed so valuable. Then, circumstances arise and locations change. Even with being careful, the thing that you loved the most, then lays behind you and new unexpected situations require your attention. It happens so fast and you cannot stop it. New connections are made. Change is coming so quickly, you cannot stop it. However, it happens. Observingly, you are standing beside unbelieving, bewildered but in love to the fullest. How can some people get so fast into your heart? How do they find the direct way to gain your love? Nobody knows but this is real. Love is real. It is all a question of the right time and place, as time and place fit or simply do not fit. I cannot understand or describe it. The flow, it just goes on and on.

Then, I wonder how much change I can bear. But that’s life. It goes on and on. You cannot stop. You have to decide if you want to be happy or if you are wining.

Time does not wait. It just goes and takes every day with it although the two of us had so many plans. Where does the time go? Where to goes the time when it leaves? I never understood why we cannot follow it or get it back. Is it just gone? Maybe, if I am lucky I will find it on Easter, then I will ask what it actually does for pleasure.

Sophie tells me more about the little extremes of life, challenges, decisions, thrills that make you feel, you are alive.
“You sense life when you get to your limits. The moment when you breathe in deeply and then you just do it. People need that. Jump into the cold water and enjoy it. Ride your bike when the rain is the loudest and get chocolate ice cream! You are alive. And when I get on the plane by myself, going to the other side of the world, when I could puke because I am so excited, then I know, I am alive.”

Not all of us have to jump into cold water as Sophie but her message is clear. You cannot escape the course of time. Change is good and refreshing. Fear and lots of thinking often only creates problems. Being careful is always wise but freezing might make one miss a life-time chance or the right person for right now.

Here and Now

Then, I met Alex on the rooftops of the city. On the sun deck he talks about passions. He speaks about the moment and sweet presents of life.

“The moment you are experiencing, the here and now. When you suddenly realize that this is life. You feel the energy flowing through your body as you breathe in and out. You’re inhaling, breathing life and simply letting humans be humans. The thoughts are free and you are floating. Only your senses guide you.

You look far, overviewing the distance, the sun sets and illuminates the skyline of your city within the most beautiful light. It is gorgeous. You feel the moment and realize this is just perfect.