Robert

I haven't known too many Roberts in my life, however the ones I have known are pretty awesome people.

But when I entered Post Hostel Prague I had no idea that the gentleman named Robert checking me in late Wednesday night would have such a profound and surely long lasting impact on me.

I quickly learned that Robert hailed from Croatia, and like a lot of Europeans, and had moved around Europe working different jobs. I later found out he lived in Kansas City, MO for a while. But more on that later. Maybe. It all depends on if I remember.

But the night I checked in I was honestly thinking about doing just one night in Prague. Robert encouraged me to stay at least two nights and thankfully I took that encouragement to heart. Interestingly, as recent as this morning I was toying with the idea of staying a third night or even more. But again, more on that later if I remember.

I spoke in an earlier post about the Free Walking Tour I took. Robert said it was good. And it was. He said it's important to see the sights of Prague. He also told me about the trip he and whoever from the hostel wanted to join would be taking to the park where Stalin's statue used to be. In typical Robert coolness, he explained there would something for everyone there. Music. Dancing. Places to sit and view the city. And he was spot on. More on that later if I remember.

Ok I'll tell you more about that now. Wow. What an incredibly beautiful overlook of Prague from up at the park. And the music? Well, it was techno. And it wasn't loud. We were able to talk, laugh, dance if we chose in a spot, as Robert said, has "good vibes."

And I'm kicking myself for not taking more pictures but I ripped some off the internet for this post to give you an idea of what it looked like.

We left there because Robert told us about people getting together on a boat. So we piled into the #93 tram and headed northwest getting further and further from the hostel. And the boat? It was awesome. Same type thing. Techno music, people hanging out on land, others on the boat. It was a true Prague local experience yet again thanks to Robert.

Ok those are the logistical memories. What I want to remember about Robert is the following:

He is the most welcoming person I've ever met. He EXUDES acceptance. He accepts everyone. He talks to and cares for and loves everyone. He knows what he wants. He's very clear on who he is and what he likes to do. He's inclusive. The fact that a large group of us got to go to the park and the boat with him was nothing short of amazing to me. He just calmly stated the plan and said, "y'all are welcome to any or all of the things I'm going to do." And he made sure we knew where we were going but not in an intrusive, looking over our shoulder kind of way. He was just kind and caring about it.

He and I engaged in one of the most meaningful conversations I've had in a long time while at the Stalin Park. Through that conversation I learned that he has visited 26 of the United States(for those keeping score at home, I've visited 24 of them. And I'm a native). But he has made such good friends with people that stay at the hostel, he just takes a month or so off at various points in time and travels. One such trip he ended up in Kansas City. In order to make a little while there, his buddy had him work on renovating homes. He liked it so much he stayed for two years.

Robert shared how much he loves creating and completing things. He spoke about starting a business and building it from
the ground up much like he has done while working at Post Hostel. He spoke about the need for change and how he tries to avoid being comfortable. He said, "I have to leave Prague this year." When I asked, "Oh because of the Visa situation?" He replied, "No. I just have to leave Prague this year." And what he meant was that he is getting too comfortable and if he doesn't leave then he'll never leave.

Which, to me, is a very interesting idea. I totally see where he's coming from. And I can totally see the value in staying a place for a long time. At the time of this writing, I just completed my 12th year at Ridge View.

Balance was the theme of the day yesterday and I believe it's a theme here too.

Here's the truth for me: I love getting out and going. I love meeting new people. I love having new and different experiences. However I also value deep connection, vulnerability and genuine intimacy. I'm finding there's a way to have both. I have great friends and family that I can be open and honest with for which I'm extremely grateful.

The interesting thing here is that when talking with Robert I found myself greatly identifying with him and wanting a lot of what he has. Again, he is extremely warm, accepting and loving. I want that for sure for me. He also isn't interested in being tied down by "stuff." He rents a flat. Doesn't have a car. Like me doesn't have cable. He wants to be able to pick up and move at the drop of a hat. I want that. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want that to be able to pick up and move, but rather I want to be free of the idea that I tell myself I need to acquire more stuff, more money and more ___________(whatever that is). The key is for me to know what I want and know the direction that I'm going and then let that drive my decisions......which as this meandering share comes to a close is the great lesson that Robert taught me.

He knows who he is. He does what he wants to do and let's go of other's expectations and thoughts about him. He just does Robert on a daily basis and that's enough for him. Seems to be a common theme for me lately. I'm learning to be me. And I'm believing that me is a enough.

It's funny to me how, when I look at my life, I've looked for a lot of things outside of myself to try and define who I am. And they never did. On my worst days I thought they did, however, all along I was just Brian. And just Brian is enough. I never had to perform for anyone's love or approval even though, on my worst days, I still think that sometimes and act that way sometimes.

I'm fortunate to be able to do a ton of things I like to do. I work in sports. That's so cool for a guy like me. I get to work with amazing kids and coaches and staff. That's incredible. I get to travel and experience new and different people and things.

And here's the thing I'm reminding myself of through this writing: I'm not defined by any of that. Those are just things I do. I'm a human. An acceptable member of the human race. And Robert is yet another angel in this journey of mine to teach me, yet again, that's all I ever need to be.

Thank you, Robert.