bingo bongo

There's a video that a good friend has sent me a few times, that I think of often.

This is the one. (It's called Loner Motivational Video, haha) It is a really powerful sentiment, and the video is made in such a way that's really electrifying. When I first watched it, I flinched against the title of the video. Flinching usually means I need to dive deeper. Loneliness and being a "loner" are still ideas that I'm wrestling with. I connect with a different part of the video with every additional viewing. Recently it's been "invent yourself and re-invent yourself." I'm constantly searching to define myself.

So I did this self-serving thing the other day where I asked some of my loved ones "What are 3 things that automatically remind you of me?"

Some named intangible substances; others gave straight up word associations. All were kind.

Below is a compilation of those ideas.

Things that are strongly tied to the image I have of myself:

• Bears
• Physical touch
• Openness
• Collage
• Purple hair
• Sugar, and all that entails
• Exclamation points
• Abundantly encouraging
• Mornings are my nemesis
• Butcher, baker, candlestick maker
• Connection 
• Go deep or go away
• Do the hard thing
• Empathy is the answer
• Thoughtful gifts
• Sandwiches
• Laughter
• Slow as molasses
• Sometimes I’d rather sleep
• Grocery lists
• In love with love
• 20 minutes late or 20 minutes early
• Hypochondria
• Extroverted introvert
• Upbeat songs with dark lyrics 
• Visual learner
• I'll be your sidekick
• Space cadet 
• Paradoxical
• Warmth