Jane Goodall is my rockstar

Up until today I thought EVERYONE knew who Jane Goodall was. Apparently, I was wrong seeing as everyone I told I was going to a Jane Goodall talk that night had no idea who she was. I shared this concern to my mom and she reassured me that I was the weird one, and that no…she isn’t up there with The Beatles for everyone. Because yes, today seeing Dr. Goodall felt the same as the day I went to see Paul McCartney in concert. Some people might think I’m insane or even offended by that comment but its the truth…to me, Jane Goodall is a freaking rock star.

I had completely disconnected myself from how much her story amazed me at such a young age and I am pretty damn sure it stayed in my head and became a part of who I am today. My mom clearly remembers the day I got home with a library book extremely excited telling her about how this woman had gone into the jungle to live and learn about chimps. See…the thing about Jane Goodall, to me, wasn’t about what she discovered in her investigations – it was about her. This woman broke the rules, she redefined the way we see animals and the way we practice science. She went at the age of 23, without a college degree, into Africa, to learn about chimps. She was a dreamer, but didn’t stay dreaming…she did it. She freaking lived it! Even more amazing, after achieving her life long dream, she realized that it wasn’t all about HER dream or what she loved doing, but that she could help others and that her story and her life could give HOPE to those around her. In the past decades her organization has focused on the youth, on giving them support and maintaining that hope for humanity alive. I have said many times I have lost my faith in humanity, that’s why I like animals so much better…it’s a very sad thing to say and feel but just turning on the TV or reading a newspaper would confirm that phrase. However, there are moments, there are people I have met, and today was a reminder of those…there are people that aren’t bad. There are some that haven’t given up, that think of solutions and go out there and make the changes they want to see happen.

(I’m still sticking to animals though).

Anywho, this might just be a bunch of jibbery talk from a very excited person…but if you have read this far, just take a couple of minutes and read up on Jane Goodall’s life, her goals, her achievements, that sense of tranquility that she manages to irradiate. Maybe you’ll understand me a little better because I think I just unlocked a piece of the puzzle in the “who am i?” game.

Have a goodnight, I’m going to bed happy and I hope you are too.

A little midnight ramble...

Six years ago today I went to bed like any other day, not expecting that in less that 24h my world would be moved upside down and broken. I don't remember anything too particular from that day, watched some funny videos with my brother on youtube, went to bed. No red flags, no warning, nop, nothing. Life is simply that, unexpected. No matter how ready you are for things, life will make sure to change your plans somehow,  by little changes or massive ones. 
A year ago I embarked on a very exciting and surprising journey in which I said goodbye to having this one day, this one event, affect me in a completely negative way and simply accept it as part of my path in life. I decided not to allow it define me anymore. A year ago today I was freaking out a little over the 9th of november, I didn't want it to be a big deal. It still affected me, it was still a sad day and I cried when I heard my mom on the phone and thought about you so much. But, I didn't want to let it define me and "ruin" my day. Hey, I was in the middle of the african bush, what I had to do was live it, and appreciate every second of that day. I try to do that every day now...appreciate. Be grateful. For life is too short and too unexpected to be in angst, to feel bummed over silly things, to not be PRESENT. 
Take a moment, stop, and think about your like right this moment: About today, how you felt, what you did, what you said or didn't get to say...are you happy with what you did? with who you are? where you're going? 
I tried to make this a short post but I guess I'm just too good at rambling. Bottom line is, LIFE CHANGES. People change, cities change, time takes it toll every second and we have to be aware of it. Take advantage of time, enjoy the little things and be thankful for every passing day (even for the shitt days), tell those around you that you love them, live without regrets.