Kite Runners

Over the past months, I’ve kept away from the right and wrong debates that seem only to serve a few, yet add fuel to the fire for all. 

I have chosen to bypass the concepts of the new normal - the way it’s being presented. Because what is normal? Surely it’s a unique concept to us all. 

I’ve kept my head down, my eyes open, and my thoughts inwards. Working towards a quiet kind of satisfaction that fulfils me beyond what I desire.

I’ve searched for the small things that hide in-between the issues that seem to hold our attention. The simple things that have no traditional value, other than being comforting moments of self truth.

But today, I had an experience that made me smile, made me laugh, made me think, and made me forget. Today I searched for nothing in particular but found a gift that I will remember long after the pain of the last year fades.

Searching for a sunset view of Mt Agung, I was greeted by clouds, clouds, and more clouds. It was beautiful, but just not the beauty I was searching for. But all that changed as the warm breeze switched direction, carrying with it the distinct sounds of children’s laughter. 

A short walk and a growing smile led me to the source of this joy—three young men running through the fields, flying kites. After a make-shift introduction, they greeted me as their mate, just bigger and older. I spent a timeless hour with these three young men who cared little for the problems and anxiety we’ve wrapped ourselves in, in favour of focusing on their joy, their friendship, their kites. 

Which gracefully danced on the wind,  made of nothing more than used plastic, discarded wood, and second-hand string. The most simple of moments lit up their smiles and made me slow down, disengage from my perceived problems, and appreciate the small pleasures that lie just beyond all of our doorsteps. 

As the sun began to set, it was time to bid my friends farewell. I left safely in the knowledge, knowing that the new normal, if influenced by the innocent and free from past regrets, may be more familiar than we thought possible. 

Thank you for the moment, my three new friends.