Number 1

Project 1: Get at least two strangers to tell you their life story

Week 1, woooooooooooooohhhooooooo! (pronounced like "new" but with a "w" and an "h"). I feel so inspired - which is amazing considering the fact that I'm broke, have a Guinness book of world records status farmers tan, and just spent 8 hours driving in 100 degree heat with no air conditioning. I think I've realized, though, that it is these exact things that make me inspired. I am broke, but I won't be forever. I have an epic farmer's tan because I spent the last 7 weeks getting my world rocked in the best way while teaching at a summer camp. AND today I start my vacation in Southern California which means I get to see my family. Three things that maybe started in the negative column have been kicked over to the green.

This is what 'The 52 Things List' means to me. It's about changing our mindsets. It's about changing our own realities and hopefully in turn becoming better people.

Today I found myself sharing Inn & Out with a family in 100 degree heat in Kettleman City, aka the dirty central valley. Midway through my road trip from Oakland to the great city of Temecula, covered in a glossy sheen of sweat, eyes burning from the smell of cow poop via Harris Ranch, I looked over at my dog who was clearly experiencing the same turmoil as myself and made the executive decision to stop for some food, water, shade, and much needed poop time (for him not me, surprisingly). Moving on, if you've ever been to this particular Inn & Out you know that it's one of the busiest locations in existence. It's as if they're giving out gold. Seriously. Because there were so many people around I planted myself at a table with a woman and her family. This is where the idea from the week came from...

With hardly any instigating, this Latino family of four (a mother, father, and two sons), began to tell me their "story." I heard about where they were going, where they were from, their jobs, their politics, their parenting strategies, their values, and (perhaps most importantly) their love and support for each other. This experience was simply phenomenal. I simply sat down next to this woman and her family. They were so warm and open and honest. I found myself strangely comfortable with this moment. It was the opposite of listening to someone with a case of word vomit. It was perfect.

Talking to strangers wasn't how I initially planned to start this project, but I find it incredibly appropriate. We all have a story. I'm using this blog to write a new story, but there are so many stories out there just waiting to be heard!

So, for week one, I am challenging myself (and YOU) to listen to at least two life stories from at least two different strangers. Most importantly, these people cannot be aware of the project. It must be natural. I have high hopes for the next seven days! Good luck and continue to be inspired!