If you’ve ever seen me present the activity Goal, Fear, Success, Dream, you’ve definitely heard me talk about my time in the Delta (and the fact that I have a serious fear of being eaten in water). I’ve been lucky to have this tradition now for several years. The Delta is a great series of waterways in northern California allowing some great opportunities for water sports.
My first trip took place ages ago when my mom’s teaching partner invited my sisters and I up for a weekend trip. That weekend I learned to waterski–super fun!
A few years later I began what would become an annual trip. One of my good friends celebrates her birthday in early August. Several years ago just after taking the California bar, she invited several of her law school friends and other close friends to a weekend of relaxation and water sports. The following year she and I reconnected and an invitation was extended to me as well. I first attended in 2005. At the time I only really knew my friend (and some of her girlfriends from her high school). It had honestly been ages since I had hung out or visited with any of them. The law school friends, the friends of friends, the husbands or spouses of friends were all knew to me.
We had fun then, but not as much fun as we had this year.
I’ve been every year since 2005 (exception being last year when a remodel of the house prevented the celebration). This year as people arrived, I recognized my excitement over the familiar faces. People who had once been strangers were now people I really looked forward to seeing. We shared the standard funny stories, built up over the years. We checked in to see if some of the beloved elements would still be present like Oasis Island, where many a lazy Saturday (and sunburns) took place or my BBQ chicken (something that is quite popular after a day on a wakeboard). We asked about new life developments and challenges. We laughed. We joked.
Overall, I think we’ve become quite comfortable with one another simply because we’ve celebrated some life together.
But then we also welcomed new faces. This year brought the addition of 5 new faces (5.5 if you count the newborn baby who joined us for an afternoon). The new people fit in right away–the group welcoming them and bringing them into the fold. They brought in their own stories, their own humor, and created moments that will now be the memories we describe in future years (one example would be the high speed tubing pirate battle with Jon causing a great deal of laughter).
Long story short, I had fun. I feel refreshed and I’m glad this random group of people are in my life.
Why did I write all of this? To encourage you to seek out SHARED EXPERIENCES with others. Each year we create new memories. Each year we’re closer because of that. We’ve had long afternoons to just talk. We’ve had late night giddyness (not this year–we realized we were not as energetic as the past and fell asleep too early) that leads to funny conversations down the road. We’ve shared meals and the community that develops from them.
Find the opportunities to create these moments with people this year–and maybe you’ll find that these people might really be friends.
Much love to the Delta 2010 crew!