Helter Skelter : As the Patterns on my Dress

The people whom I love and cherish are as many as the patterns on my dress.

These people are my light. And my teachers.

They are the ones that remind me that I need to achieve, dream, think, love every day with every essence of my being. Without knowing, they teach me these lessons everyday.

one: The strong man that stands beside me. He shows me that love is never ending, that love is a free spirit that spins and swirls and goes in whatever direction it likes. He teaches me that love is the appreciation of every flaw, every scar, every tear. That no person can ever have too much love.

two: The group of colourful misfits that I adore. They are teachers of havoc and noise and laughter. I’m constantly being taught to love life and live it while I have it. I learn from them the importance of spreading love, in the forms of hugs or smiles. That these simple gestures only warm a person’s heart considerably, and two bodies are better than one to keep a heart warm.

three: The man who has lost his way, the man who has nothing. He comes up to the food bus, and smiles as I give him a cup of coffee, or tea, or whatever he feels that night, no money needed. He carries a backpack, and wears layers of shirts and jackets. He has scars all along his neck. And a back that causes him too much pain. Despite his troubles, he tells me thank you. “Thank you so much, so so much. Thank you for taking the time to be here. Thank you”. For a cup of coffee?

This man teaches me about compassion and loving what I already have. He warms my heart, knowing that someone appreciates my compassion. He shows me to find happiness in simple things like a small cup of coffee.

“Good cup’a coffee too”

four: The children of Timor Leste. The struggle of their past and country is not that far behind them, yet you can only see determination in their eyes. Their love for the people of their country makes them push forward into the future without even the slightest hesitation. That they only think of improving themselves, and making their country and future stronger. They teach me to love what I want, and work forwards into the future to get it.

five: My bright eyed friend with short hair. Her beautiful grace in which she goes through life, her calming energy engulfs you. She feels like a gentle fairy, content to listen to your thoughts and secrets. She teaches me how to love, think, talk without noise. That my simple company can be enough.

six (and lastly): My mother. She is my rock. She always stands unmoving to anything and anyone, always there for the ones who need to lean on her shoulder, always their to protect us like a mama bear, always there to show us how to love what we believe in, and stay true to ourselves. I learn from her example, adding in my own values as well. I learn from her to be strong as an ox, and gentle as a mother cat.

A person can be a marvellous teacher without realising it. You just need to listen and learn.

Almost every person I love teaches me something about life in one way or another.

Sometimes I feel like there is never enough patterns on my dress for the ones I love.

xox