Every year when I leave BRC I take with with me a very strong sense of how I should change my everyday approach to life so that I can be more like the person I am out there - happy, less quick-tempered, more relaxed, not as worried about shit that don't really matter in the end, and with a more open heart and mind. Usually that starts to fade when I get back to my real life and by the time July rolls around I find that I desparately need to get back to BRC, that I have forgotten everything, and in need of a new energizing jolt.

This year, I don't feel it fading. In fact, it seems to be growing. Every day I am remembering to look at people differently

* reminding myself that every story, laugh, hug, whatever that they share with me is a gift. And that there presence in the world is also a gift.

* reminding myself that negative energy from someone else doesn't have to create a negative reaction. And that I have no idea what happens before I enter the picture that might contribute to any circumstances, so I should not be so quick to anger

* reminding myself that you get back what you put out. If I want to have endless love come my way, I need to put out endless love. If I put out anger, negativity, and despair that is what I will recieve in return

* reminding myself that even the smallest action can cause an effect on the whole of things. Like picking up a stray plastic grocery bag may mean that someone doesn't slip on it later and get hurt. That giving small can be just as important as giving big - volunteering for a one-day project like Coastal Clean-up is as needed as giving 20 hours a week to a literacy project.

* reminding myself that forgiveness is a great thing and remembering to forgive myself for mistakes.

* reminding myself that I can be that girl every day, it just requires more attention to my actions and more diligence in follow-through.

So, there you have it. Not learning a new thing but learning how to apply and old idea.