My last posts touched on the importance of staying passionate and keeping a perspective on my role in the world, not just my day-to-day travel life (link here.) This helps me keep moving forward in a globally relevant way, and also keep a clear view of how incredibly lucky I am. I sit pretty high in the world. Perseverance and hard work have a lot to do with it, but there are also many things that I was handed and I think it’s important to acknowledge them.

I am vacationing in Ireland at the moment, perched in a recliner overlooking one of the most beautiful and coveted coastlines in the world. This is the height of privilege- almost laughably so. Some days life is tough and it’s hard to keep that perspective, but today isn’t one of them. I am also spending this time preparing to travel to Pine Ridge Reservation, where I’ll work with a group of students who will have to work much harder to see this side of the world or even believe a world free of poverty and strife exists. (I’m probably there teaching as you read this) This trip to Pine Ridge is a big undertaking for me and I’m both nervous and excited, but it feels appropriate to carve this time in Ireland to think of those students and write with a grateful heart.

A close friend and life coach introduced me to taking a “helicopter view:” zooming way out and ask “what’s really important here?” It’s probably not the fact that they ran out of hazelnut coffee at Panera. Below is my helicopter list; all the things true about me and my life that make me extremely privileged, and that I’m just damn grateful for:

1. Supportive, patient, loved ones. My friends and family often see my face on social media more often than in person, and they are incredibly forgiving when it takes me 12 hours to text back. They understand that this is the nature of what I’ve been called to do right now in life. They make lots of their own sacrifices to make it possible for me.
2. An agreeable face and “light enough” skin tone. There’s no good way to say this, other than having a “look” that is socially acceptable means I don’t face racial prejudice and life is exponentially easier. I enter situations innocent until proven guilty. I don’t think it’s right, but I also don’t take it for granted.
3. Air Travel. My bands fly most places. This would be a different life all-together if I were spending 10 hours every day in a van. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to be amongst the extreme minority who commutes via air.
4. Nice hotels, air BnB’s, and host families. Finding the essence of “home” would be far more difficult if I were spending my days seeking inexpensive lodging or bunking in hostels.
5. High-end technology (and an ability to get it repaired.) I have a nice phone, fast laptop, internet availability, etc., that make staying in contact and doing my work possible and efficient.
6. No allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities. In fact, my bandmates say I have the stomach of a mountain ox. I regularly eat things past expiration and usually remain un-phased when the rest get sick. I can drink all tap water comfortably and try lots of local fare without much caution. (Although I totally just jinxed myself) 
7. Stability in other places. I have financial, career, and family/relationships stability. I can count on consistency in important parts of my life that makes room for the inconsistency that accompanies this lifestyle. (Link here)
8. A global tribe who open their arms and homes. I’ve mentioned these amazing people in other posts, but I couldn’t possibly thank them too much. I’ll never be homeless or lonely thanks to you all.

I run down this list pretty regularly to not only put my daily frustrations into perspective, but also to stay present and motivated to change a world that needs it. To stay grounded, but also driven.

So here I sit, full of good Irish coffee and freshly baked brown bread that was smothered in butter made from milk collected down the road. Heavy wind and rain strike the window in front of me, with no effect other than to serenade my typing. I started this post yesterday (Easter) at the dining table of a cozy, love-filled home with a pup at my feet and beautiful music being made in the next room. I am given lots of moments of serenity and extreme clarity, if I choose to see and feel them. I’ll have a Guinness for you all 🙂

Cheers, drriifters. 💙🌏💨

Diana