Journal Entry 9/16/23

Cottonwood, Arizona 12:59 PM

These last few months I have been more alone than I ever have before, but not in a lonely way. I have discovered that there is magic in going to coffee shops with just yourself and a book- while watching people walk up and down the street. Groups of friends, families, and lovers pass by holding hands and laughing.

“I love that we’re finally getting together and doing this!” I overheard one group of friends say.

The sun is shining and there is a slight breeze. It is mid September now and the summer heat of the Arizona desert has begun its decline.

I never used to do this.

I used to fear coming alone to restaurants, perhaps out of fear of what others might think of me. Only now can I understand how invigorating it is. Only now can I truly understand the wonder of walking alone. There is power and wonder in the smiles of strangers and the hellos and goodbyes of people you have only briefly known.

I think the more I allow myself to live, to be present, the more I learn to have gratitude for all existence.

So now here I sit, with my iced green tea and keyboard in front of me at a cafe overlooking a bustling small town on a Saturday.

I used to love writing. In fact it is something I have done since I was a kid. I always envied the ways of the poets-their perspective and view of the world. It took some time and growing up to realize the ways of the poets exist within all of us, it is just a matter of allowing ourselves to feel and to be.

I have decided that I will allow myself to be completely me. I have decided that I will share my thoughts, experiences, perspectives, and the way I love with the world.

I sit here and I imagine a world rooted in kindness and love. I see people around me laughing and couples loving. I see people sitting under the shade of trees, admiring nature while being grateful for what it provides.

I think to myself, what happens when we create and experience our world through love.

I find myself grateful for this planet, for iced tea, for books, and for the Elton John playlist in the background.

What happens when we allow ourselves to explore the gratitude in the mundane? What happens when we explore the wonders of this universe together? What happens when we love this world fiercely together?

I have a strong vision of what this world can be, what this world is. Then I remember the magic that occurs when we come together and experience and remember together.

I choose to see magic, and I choose to be the magic I wish to see in this world. I choose to be the love I wish to see in this world.

I feel our world has awakened, and many don’t even realize it.

Love is an unstoppable force of nature that shines out of the deepest parts of our being and psyche.

Like the wind it flows and touches all things.

And if you are reading this- I hope that you too feel its magic, and that you are reminded of its strength within you.

I hope you are reminded of the world that we can create together, and just how lucky we are to be here.

And how lucky we are to be.

Love and gratitude always,

Gracie