Getting Lost in D.C.

Really it’s quite simple for a Texas girl, such as myself, to get lost in the city life of Washington DC. Texas is a large and beautiful state, where we believe in southern hospitality, stopping people and saying hello, and moving about in our own steady pace. Pretty contrasting when you hit the city life of Washington, DC. Everyone is on the move, walking at a pace that doesn’t allow for eye contact and a simple hello. Why is that? Networking is a big part of the DC area, so wouldn’t slowing down from time to time and just waving at a stranger be a part of the networking process? Evidently not so much. That is how we come across me getting lost in D.C.

With all the different twist and turns of the Capital I have fallen victim of being lost on the metro, national monuments, Chinatown, and at the job. It appears they make some places intentionally complicated and confusing for the entertainment of local citizens. However, Samuel Beckett wrote “My mistakes are my life.” As I am currently in DC and learning my way around, Beckett’s words signify that confusion and getting outside of one’s comfort zone is okay. Life is a process that regardless of what route is taken it is possible to make it through. I am continually learning the people here have their own methods of making life work in DC. They are not unkind because they don’t stop and say hello, but rather they are people walking full of purpose. With the vast amount of opportunity here it makes sense to have a determined walk that ensures keeping up with the movement. All the times I was lost there were a number of people who took one look at me and said, “newcomer where you headed?” I was used to Texas people laughing along side with me as we find our destination together, but DC is another beautiful experience of people very willing to share their past mistakes and instead point you in the right direction. It is a blessing to take my southern hospitality and learn to walk with it in purpose and unity.

Just as the Disability Movement states we are all People first. The faster everyone realizes this, the more accepting we can be of all be of our diversities. The original thought that something is wrong with DC, it is far to complicating is definitely not the case. People are just people, and although different from what I’m used to that is far from a bad thing. In fact, it should be that way because getting lost in D.C. is part of my growing process of following the best path.