downtown

**free write**

I’ve been spending quite some time in downtown SJ, Campbell, Palo Alto, Berkeley, etc late at night while being home for winter break. Going to Cafe Frascatti or Cafe Stritch, sitting down with an americano writing in my journal, or just walking around, observing my surroundings and seeing the array of individuals. Each time I go and walk around, I see something different every single day. Drunk people arguing, homeless people begging for money, musicians playing on the streets for spare change, old women high off drugs — these are just a few. And believe me, it wasn’t easy at first. Growing up in the suburbs, being closed off from the real world and just being in my own bubble of Asians, it’s different. But, I’ve learned to appreciate life more and more with each passing day, and especially with each moment I travel.

I vividly remember just last week, there was an old man dressed as Santa Clause in DTSJ, and he was playing the flute. I took out my wallet, gave him a buck, and as he said “thank you,” I immediately commented on his excellent music playing. As the conversations grew, he mentioned he’s been playing nonstop for hours and hours, and his lips were getting sore. Still, he had to make money somehow to support himself, so he continued on. Afterwards, we began talking, and he shared his story. He talked endlessly about his successful father, his exciting childhood without the use of technology, how one of his fingers got chopped off when he was a mere child, his liken for California, and so much more. I was so appalled of how intelligent he spoke, and how I was so captivated by the ongoing stories and stories he was telling me. It was a moment to remember.

I was at Cafe Frascatti quite recently. There was live music playing, and after listening to a few songs from a fellow musician, I asked him what motivates him to play. He gave me his information, and begins describing his love for music. He mentioned having a few degrees at a college in a different state — including 1 major and 2 minors, and I asked him “why?” You went to college, got your degree, and you’re playing music? “Why?” He simply explained that music makes him happy, and he doesn’t want to be sitting all day with a career that doesn’t make him happy. I was inspired.

Downtown Berkeley is one of my favorite places to venture off too that’s local — with SF being my top favorite. I went to a few coffee shops, a couple bookstores, two music shops, and a bakery, and spent the majority of my time solely walking around just last Friday. When I was a child, I was always frightened by those that are homeless. I’ve always thought they were dangerous or scary, and I tried my best to avoid them at all costs. Now, I always try my bests to make conversation and support as much as I can. I understand now, that they’re all people just like us. And if we were ever to be in their situation, would we want help, too? It’s not easy, life. Life hits you just like that out of no way, unexpected and without notice. But, what I believe is beautiful, is how much these individuals appreciate what they have. They don’t focus on what they don’t have, but anything that they do, they are grateful, thankful, and they definitely do not take them for granted. Their body parts, the ability to smell the trees, the sense of touch, the capability to see rain and sunshine. They appreciate every little thing they have, and I think that’s beautiful.

We all take so many things for granted — our health, our family, our wellbeing, etc. We’re all too focused on things we think are important — instagram likes, twitter favorites, making money, finishing the next series, etc. We’re all too worried about what we don’t have rather than what we have — a lack of a significant other, a lack of job, a lack of one’s favorite meal, etc. In a sense, our mentality is fixated on so many things that don’t truly define us, and that don’t truly make us happy. Read a book, walk around, breathe in the freshness of the grass, do what you love to do. We only have only life; why should we fixate our life toward what someone else wants. Make yourself happy. Define yourself. Know who you are. Appreciate what you have. Appreciate life for what it is. And, just be yourself.