The Starting Ritual

 

Airport Rituals, the behaviors that many of us have and cannot escape. A double Old Fashioned and a toast to the trip ahead, that's mine. I know what many of you are probably thinking, "Morgan and his whiskey… such a lush." Well, just shut it! And read on.

 

And so I find myself sitting at Ike's in the Minneapolis Airport drinking an Old Fashioned. Strangely enough though, I am desiring a change to my normal ritual. Rather than toast to the Journey ahead, I'm raising the below glass of bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange and cherry to you. To the people who made these last three years an adventure and one I will never regret taking.

 

 

So here's to you:

….to the friend who turned out to be a brother. You built me up when life had me down.

 

….to the family who made coming out easy and on my terms.

….to the Linkedin connection I took a risk on. Our conversations are the highlight of my week.

….to the work wife who got me through Target and my first go at dating.

….to the KC BBQ Master, you taught me to play, to laugh and to let my freak flag fly.

….to the roommates, one helped kick start the beginning and the other came in for the finish.

….to the slaysians, we had fun, we never judged and you were amazing.

….to the targeteers who made the first year back explosively fun!

….to the fraternity that taught me more than I taught them.

….to the coworker who saw a fellow dreamer in me and never let me lose it.

….to the manager that saw a spark in me and made it explode. You inspire me.

….to the HR friend who finally gave me clarity and direction in a time of unrest.

….to the so many countless others, you made my 3 years here in Minnesota.

 

I may not be great at vocalizing it but you mattered. As I sip this glass of whiskey I am met with authentic appreciation for the support, compassion and love that you all have shown me. Just as I have so many people I can't help but thank for where I am today, I imagine there are people that this entry brought to top of mind for all you. Do me a favor, tell them. Keep telling them, until there is no doubt in their mind that they had impact on you.

With that said, keep being phenomenal and stay tuned for the next post.

Cheers,
Morgan