Words Fall Short

I can't put into words how much fun I had last night in Copenhagen, and, as always, I'm going to try. Seems like an inordinate amount of commas in the previous sentence, doesn't it? And I believe that's the first time I've ever written the word "inordinate." I feel smart.

The night started at the hostel with me talking with Brett from Australia and Shameus(I'm sure I'm butchering that spelling) from Northern Ireland.

Then I went to Kennedy's to catch the soccer match, and a gentleman from Westchester, NY struck up a conversation with me and that led to an epic conversation with two Danes that happened to both be named Frederick.

I honestly lost track of the amount of time the three of us talked about life in Copenhagen, creativity, Trump(yep. I was afraid of this to be honest and it happened on night one and you know what? It was great.), and more things that fascinated us. Turns out bearded Frederick is a lead singer of a band(Strangers on a Train....they're on Spotify he said) and less bearded Frederick is a TV producer. Both were wicked smart knowing multiple languages. I can't thank both of them enough for asking questions and giving me honest, heart-felt answers to the things I wanted to know. It's conversations like those that get me excited and help remind me that we're all just human. I feel like I've learned a lot about love and acceptance recently and both of these guys gave me that last night. And I gave it to them too. It was just three guys, hanging out, talking and bouncing ideas and opinions off of each other.

I decided to call it a night and walked back to the hostel.

And whhhhhheeeerrrrrpppppp(that's the spelling of that record scratching sound in movies when something happens along the lines of "not so fast")

I made it back to the hostel and there was a group of travelers and some of the workers hanging out outside. I dropped some things inside and came back to join because, hey, it's Europe and my intention is to be open to letting things happen right? Well, happen they did.

I introduced myself to Lindsey, an American from Wisconsin, and she proceeded to tell me she's traveling for about a month and will be taking photos for a wedding in Edinburgh at the end of her trip. She had bounced all around the area in recent days and weeks. She was VERY knowledgeable about travel and extremely nice and welcoming. I had a blast talking with her.

The group then decided they were going to an Irish Pub(but the scouting report was that it was more like a dance club....more to come on this later). They asked if I was going to come and my answer? You think I: said no, went to sleep, had a great dream about clouds and gummy bears.

NOPE, I: Said yes. Went and had an absolute blast with the crew of Lindsey, Brett, Ignacio, Nicholas, Augustina, Damien and a girl from Chile. Right went when got there, the girls said they wanted to dance.

Now this is where some growth has happened for me. Dancing for 38 years has been a word that has produced a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear, but thanks to the work I put in a few weeks ago in Gainesville with that amazing group of folks, my relationship with dancing had completely changed. It used to be an exercise in self doubt, self judgement, comparisons, getting in other peoples heads and much much more. No wonder I hated dancing so much. BUT, with my new found ability to say "yes" to the difficult and a newfound ability to let go of a lot of negativity in my head, I got out there and danced. And danced. And sweated. And acted silly. And laughed. And danced and sweated and acted silly some more. I honestly don't think I've ever had more fun in my life. And, this is where it blows my mind: it was with complete strangers that loved and accepted me just like I loved and accepted them. We were humans enjoying each other, the music, the night.

Seeing some of them this morning was a real treat. Barriers were broken down last night and I'll forever be connected to them because of last night.

But as I pick apart last night even further, I can't help but wonder: can I do that when I get back tot normal life? Did last night help me move a little closer to my authentic self? Did being around strangers help me let go of the fear and negativity and just say "yes" more? I suspect all of the above will be true at various points in time.

As I sit in the Copenhagen Airport, I can't help but feel an enormous amount of gratitude for that crew last night. I enjoyed each of you so much and loved talking and dancing with you so much. It's a night I truly won't forget.

I'm also thankful for those in my life that have poured into me to help me get to the point where I can feel better about saying "yes" to things in my life. Yes, I'm traveling alone but I'm also bringing along bits and pieces of friends and family they have loved and challenged me over the years to grow.

Last night in Copenhagen doesn't happen if it weren't for those that I do life with. And, to give myself some credit too, it doesn't happen without me choosing to believe that I'm ok. That I'm enough. That I'm acceptable. That I'm loved. And that I can love and serve others.

What a beautiful night.