I’ll never forget the energy of the crowd the second U2 set foot on stage in their native country back in 2005. My sis, Theresa, and I joined the sea of journeyers at Dublin’s Croke Park, where many feverishly waived the flags of the countless countries they represented—I lost count at 20—as they screamed as if being chased by a madman. We stood in the middle of circular catwalk that Bono strolled in an effort to get closer to his most dedicated followers. Up close and personal with the singer, I noticed his short stature, and a noticeable gut. For an instant, Bono wasn’t this larger-than-life figure with a commanding voice and too-cool-for-school Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses. (I found out he actually wears them because of his eyes’ light sensitivity.) He became something even better—human. With everyone’s hands in the air, jumping in unison to the beat of “Vertigo,” our bodies pulsated with the dance of life, the beauty of sharing something so joyous spurred by our liberator and his band.
I jumped into the air so many times that night that my calves were still burning days later. Immediately after the concert, my voice was courser than a jagged-edged rock, since I have the tendency to belt out every tune in ear-piercing fashion. But the euphoria I experienced was worth every moment of physical pain.
The night at Croke Park is on my life’s “top five” list. Yes, the music rocked, but there was something about sharing space and elation with like-minded people from across the globe. Very few experiences have made me feel this alive. I want more of that feeling.
I wish everyday of my life could be a top-five experience. Life doesn’t work out that way. For every high, there’s a low. However, I’ve made it a goal lately to insert some “life” into living on a daily basis—whether it’s going for a quick jog in the brisk weather or cranking up the music on my iPod and jamming to it while riding the subway. (My apologies to the guy sitting next to me the other day.) Stepping outside of my comfort zone is a tactic I use to break the mundane.
If one day seems to blend into the other, maybe it’s time to reevaluate how much “living” we’re actually doing.
The Eternal Optimist
My favorite post thus far, and not just because I’m mentioned in it!