3 Life Lessons I Learned In 2009 About Friendship And The Art of Silence

Over the holidays I got to catch up with a lot of old friends and family.  Not only did I realize how old I’m getting, but also how much I’ve changed.  We flipped through photographs, and told tales of the people we used to be.

I recognize the weight of 365 days. I realize that change can be birthed if we just map out a plan and try to make everyday another opportunity for renewal.  I understand that my plan may not result in the exact vision I had for myself–but it can come close (I’m beginning to realize that, in spite of my scheming and planning, I may NOT end up on a farm married to Joseph Gordon Levitt Jr).

I’m not the wisest person in the world, and I haven’t had nearly enough New Years to justify the occasional gray hair that pesters my ebony head, but here’s what I learned in 2009:

1. Silence often speaks louder than words. After years of preaching green methods of living to my parents, it wasn’t until I stopped ranting, and quieted down that my dad finally started composting and creative recycling at their home.  2010 brings me a sweet but silent victory.
2. True friends don’t come easy, so hold on tight to the ones you have. It’s a rare friend that will tell you when you have a booger hanging out your nose.  Certainly keep those around.  This year, get over whatever grudge you’re holding on to and call your friend, and tell them you love them.  Whether the disagreement stemmed from a girl, a boy, or a silly episode from years past, I promise, it’s not worth losing a friend.
3. Live well, and surround yourself with what’s good. There’s an old Mexican saying that I was reminded of while back home: “Dime con quien te juntes, y te digo quien eres” (tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are).  Truth: we influence each other more than we consciously understand.  You pick up habits and ideologies from those you surround yourself with.  Live well, and others will pick up your good habits and spread them around.  (Why do you think this city is full of awesomeness?!  Because we’re all so awesome! It’s infectious.)

Here’s to another wonderful year in Austin, my favorite city with my favorite people.  We’re each making bigger changes than we can comprehend right now.  I’ll show you what I mean in 2020.

COMMENT: What lessons did you learn in 2009? What changes are you going to make in 2010? Let us know in the comments!

Related posts:

1. “PICS: October 1st, 2009: Art Disaster No. 9 at Beauty Bar”
2. “September 25th, 2009: Conversation Piece at the United States Art Authority”
3. “PICTURES: Joie de Vie Happy Hour Featuring Art by Doug Naugle, Friday October 23rd 2009″