Meet Anthony from San Clemente, CA.
The one word that best describes Anthony's life today is "Fortunate." The reason Anthony chose this word is because "look at where we live" he said. "We don't have to worry about war or disease and we have more than most people in the world" he continued. If Anthony could change one thing in the world, he would "Want people to be more approachable and open to meeting each other." The way he would go about making this change is by engaging in conversation with strangers and meeting new people. One year from today, Anthony would like to have added to his savings account as he plans for the future. If Anthony's life were a movie, it would be about an inside look into the mind and thoughts of a person who believes in having strong character and a perspective that has shaped his world view. The title of his movie would be called "Tony." I met Anthony and his friend this morning at Heisler Park as they were sitting on a bench overlooking Rockpile surf break. Our conversation flowed naturally as we shared a similar interest in meeting new people. When I approached Anthony and asked if I could interview him, he asked me questions about what it's for and what am I going to do with the photograph. This told me that he was interested and wanted to engage in a conversation. I realized Anthony is a people person and values relationships. He shared with me that he's had jobs where the company has trained him the value of customer service and treating people with respect. In return, Anthony feels valued and wants to go above and beyond expectations for his employer. As I'm coming to the end of the year of meeting one person a day, I've identified a theme that continues to come up. The theme has been a desire for people to be part of something bigger than themselves and become more connected to one another. After meeting Anthony today and hearing his desire for people to be more approachable and open to meeting new people, I'm motivated to continue meeting one new person a day. Thanks Anthony for the encouragement and for joining me on this journey.
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Meet Ciera from Beaumont, CA.
The one word that best describes Ciera's life today is "Perfect." The reason Ciera chose this word is because she is living in the moment and it's perfect. If Ciera could change one thing in the world, she would "Put an end to violence." The way she would go about making this change is by teaching her future kids and kids in her life not to be violent. One year from today, Ciera would like to move to Orange County. If Ciera's life were a movie, it would be about a serendipitous life where random things happen in her life like meeting people she admires and making plans that turn out so much better than she could ever imagine. The title of her movie would be called "Meant To Be." I meant Ciera when I noticed her "Camp Rock" backpack and rainbow tattoo. Her tattoo looked so perfect and I wasn't sure if it was real, so I asked her and she kindly said "yes, it's real." I commented on her backpack and was familiar with "Camp Rock" the movie after watching both movies several times with my daughter. We had an interesting conversation about making plans and how most of the times our plans don't work out and at first we get bummed out and disappointed. But often times, those plans turn into something so much better as if it was meant to be serendipitously. Ciera shared with me that she has met some amazing people while standing in line to meet other amazing people. She talked about this as if it were no big deal and as if it happens all the time. There are some people who attract amazing people for no other reason than just being themselves and I believe Ciera is one of those types of people. Keep making your plans Ciera but don't hold onto them too tightly because more than likely they will become bigger and better than you can imagine. Meet Shayna from Mission Viejo, CA.
The one word that best describes Shayna's life today is "Happy." The reason Shayna chose this word is because there is a whole lot of happiness in her life right now. If Shayna could change one thing in the world, she would "Stop the people from killing so there is not so much fear and the world be feel more safe." The way she would go about making this change is to create awareness about how good behavior is rewarded and spread good vibes. One year from today, Shayna would like to be working at Disneyland. If Shayna's life were a movie, it would be about living a stress free life being in the moment and doing whatever makes her happy in the moment. The title of her movie would be called "No Rush" and the subtitle would be "No Worries." I met Shayna on the Oak St. lookout deck while she was eating a Banzai Bowl. Shayna is one of the most positive, happy person that I've ever met. Just look at her beautiful smile, it's contagious! She would be a perfect fit to work at the happiest place on earth. I liked hearing about her no rush, no worries attitude. At first, I thought she meant that she likes to be on the go all the time because of her spontaneity but what I learned is Shayna likes to live in the moment and experience life to the fullest. Today was one of those days where Shayna felt like coming down to the beach and take in the beauty of a stormy day as the waves were building ahead of the rain that's on it's way. I walked away from meeting Shayna with a huge smile on my face and her positive attitude spilled over into my day. Thanks Shayna for sharing a cup of joy with me. Meet Eyerusalem from Ethiopia
The one word that best describes Eyerusalem's life today is "Amazing." The reason Eyerusalem chose this word is because she is so thankful to be spending the day with her friend. If Eyerusalem could change one thing in the world, she would "Put an end to poverty." The way she would go about making this change is through education and getting seek ways to volunteer time and resources. One year from today, Eyerusalem would like to be making a difference in through her work as a pharmaceutical oncologist. If Eyerusalem's life were a movie, it would be about her commitment to help others as she looks outside herself and gives sacrificially. The title of her movie would be called "A Selfless Life." I met Eyerusalem today as she was taking pictures of the sunset. She was visiting a friend in Laguna who has recently opened a store selling African artifacts. Eyerusalem is soft spoke and very humble. She has dedicated her life to help people who are fighting for their lives. I was moved by her overwhelming compassion and care for people. After our conversation, I walked away filled with an extra measure of hope knowing people like Eyerusalem are making a significant contribution to our world. Meet John originally from Michigan, now living in Laguna Beach CA.
The one word that best describes John's life today is "Freedom." The reason John chose this word is because he loves being outside interacting with nature. If John could change one thing in the world, he would "Like to see individuals/humanity exercise more critical thinking vs. settling for what we are sold and told to believe." The way he would go about making this change is by engaging people individually for conversations to learn and share what we learn for mutual understanding and conscientious synergy amongst whomever we engage. One year from today John would like to spread his entrepreneurial wings as a photographer and bring value to the market of real estate and architecture. If John's life were a movie, it would be about seeking eternal truths and discovering the answers along his life's journey to transcend his current beliefs and attitudes about how he perceives his own life, attitudes, values and how it effects himself and the people he cross paths with. The title of John's movie would be called "Journey To Illumination. I originally met John several months ago while we were both going through a CPR/First Aid certification class. We didn't get a chance to talk much during our class so it was fun talking with him and hearing his story today. Our conversation was intriguing and insightful. We talked about many meaningful issues in the world and it was both challenging and stimulating. There are very few watermen in Laguna Beach who are as informed and well read as John. John was raised to be a freethinker. He values individuality and the freewill to make up one's own mind vs. parroting what we might be sold (indoctrinated, conditioned) within mainstream media or institutions. John loves the freedom to explore the greenbelt, it feeds his soul and inspires him to remember the eternal truths living in this world. John believes nature is God's greatest cathedral. If you want to engage in an intellectual conversation with a passionate man who has a broad world view, find John and be prepared to expanding your thinking. Thanks John for stretching my mind! Meet Iris from Fullerton, CA.
The one word that best describes Iris' life today is "Beautiful." The reason she chose this word is because she is happy with her new job and things are going good. If Iris could change one thing in the world, she would "End the violence and killing in Mexico." The way she would go about making this change is to inform herself and others while talk about the issues. One year from today, Iris would like to play in a band. If Iris' life were a movie, it would be about her family of three sisters and the togetherness they experience through the good times and challenging times. The title of Iris' movie would be called "Shattering As One." I met Iris as she was sitting on the beach at Thalia St., taking in the beauty of the sunset. Iris shared with me that she recently got a new job at the Montage Resort in the audio visual department and loves working there. This job seems to align with her creative personality and her passion for music. I learned that Iris plays guitar, ukulele and is learning to play the mandolin. Iris and her friends have been talking about starting a band and is excited their dream become a reality. Most of all, Iris loves her family and the connection she has with her three sisters. Continue pursuing your passion Iris! Meet Fabrice originally from France, now living in Laguna Beach, CA.
The one word that best describes Fabrice's life today is "Open." I asked Fabrice why he chose this word and he said it was the first word that came to mind. If Fabrice could change one thing in the world, he would "End war and for people to treat each other nicely." The way Fabrice will go about making this change is to kind to others. One year from today, Fabrice would like to continue helping people be the best they can be. If Fabrice's life were a movie, it would be about his journey of trying to do good in the world. The title of his movie would be called "Fatherhood." I met Fabrice on the beach as he just finished windsurfing. I was watching Fabrice as he was sailing up and down the coast and wondering who this lone windsurfer could be since I've never seen him before. We stood and talked for awhile about how few people windsurf in Laguna and the inconsistent winds that blow through our coastal community. Fabrice spends his summers in France with his family and does most of his windsurfing while back home. Fabrice and his family recently moved to Laguna Beach and he is finding people to be very open and friendly. Perhaps that's why he chose his word for the day to be "Open." He was very kind to me and offered to let me take his windsurfer for a sail, living out his life movie of doing good in the world. Welcome to Laguna Beach Fabrice, you are a nice addition to our community. Meet Dom from Laguna Beach, CA.
The one word that best describes Dom's life today is "Amazing." The reason Dom chose this word is because he love living in Laguna Beach. If Dom could change one thing in the world, he would "Put an end to hunger." The way he would go about making this change is by contributing money to those in need. One year from today, Dom would like to be working a full time job and supporting himself. If Dom's life were a movie, it would be about going through rough times and struggling to find his way yet persevering and rising above the ashes of a challenging life. The title of his movie would be called "The Struggle." I met Dom today as he was walking through the alleyway while there was a break in the rain. The past two days have been pouring down rain so I've had to be creative in my search to meet a new person each day. When I say Dom, I thought for sure he would have a good story to tell. Dom is a person with hope and promise. His perspective on life is very optimistic and upbeat especially for someone who has been struggling. I'm confident he will land on his feet and find a way to see his life improve this next year. He seems like a person who wants to make a contribution to the world and give back to the community he loves. I will be cheering on Dom hoping he finds his way. Thanks Dom for giving your time and of yourself, you made my day. |