There is nothing like being around a dreamer. Someone who lives excitedly for the future and has a desperate hunger for the seemingly impossible. People that defy the typical and are persistent in telling you that “you can”. Being around someone who isn’t confined to the present and who seeks pleasure in spontaneity? It is a really really liberating thing.
So, let me tell you about Haley, or ‘Haybo’ as I affectionately call her 
She was on my team when I went to Africa in 2007. She came into town for a quick visit this weekend, since she’ll be moving to Chicago in a week. She is working for AmeriCorps (the domestic branch of the peace corps) doing non profit work with an organization centered around health care reform and advocacy. She’ll earn wages set at the poverty level, eat off of food stamps, and basically live life exactly equal to those she will be working for. Talk about putting yourself in your client’s shoes? I’d say that’s it. Listening to her talk about it, she couldn’t be more excited and her boldness is really inspiring. She sold everything but what could fit in her car and she’s headed to the windy city with nothing but her dreams, her faith, and the hopes that her life will make a difference.
So, needless to say, her visit brought a breath of fresh air into what I sometimes feel is my stale, ‘anti-change’ world.
It was so good to be around a dreamer this weekend.
{sidenote: i totally wish i could actually rock the whole forehead headband thing. i live vicariously through all you superfly indie chicks}
If you haven’t spent time around a dreamer lately.. you should. Find someone who encourages you to say “yes” to the hard things, to laugh in the face of struggle, and to muster up the courage to live out your imagination. Those kind of friends are truly priceless and you will be amazed at what their presence will do for you.
PS: she’s looking for housing, so anyone with Chicago connections should hit her up 
(haley4him@yahoo.com )
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