While I have been focusing on gifting ‘Acts of Connection’, the ripple effect is strong and I became on the receiving end.  My dear friend Michelle who is also doing #vanlife turned the tables on me and demonstrated a beautiful ‘Act of Connection’ to me when she ventured out of her way to meet me in Utah on my birthday!  I had spent the week with my dear friend Ramzi and we celebrated with a connected dinner on the eve of my birthday and a yummy birthday breakfast by the campfire before he had to head back to San Francisco for family obligations.  While I was not phased with spending the rest of my birthday solo, as in #vanlife every day feels like my birthday, it was an incredible gesture of love and friendship that Michelle drove hours to me from Nevada to spend celebratory time together.

We sat there, watching the sunset, drinking some delicious hard kombuchas, just connecting on life; what we were feeling, all the elation and appreciation for the organized spontaneity that #vanlife offers and the challenges it presents that create incredible learning opportunities. Going to sleep that night, under the stars with the moon beaming over both of our vans, we were both at such peace. 

In the morning, before she headed off to rendezvous with her husband, she made it a point to stay longer so we could go on a hike together which she knew I was seeking that time with her.  As we walked together, we had the time and space to share our future visions on how we live and work which continue to evolve as we embrace this experience, and help support each other in brainstorming ways to approach.  We talked about life traumas and what has served us in our healing journeys.  And we talked about connection rituals.  One of my favorites of Michelle’s is with her husband where they have an intentional connected experience every 3 months and it sets the tone for energy they are releasing and what they are calling in, and often leads into their own private dance party.  YES!  So important to carve out the time to connect meaningFULLY, share challenges and vulnerabilities, and also play.  Thank you Michelle for sharing yourself, and showing how much you are investing in our friendship.  Was a beautiful day with you and left my heart feeling so warm.