Forever Paisley

One crisp Friday evening, seeking reflection and peace of mind, my good friend Bobbi and I were headed south on I-75 in the “black beauty” (read: Volkswagen Jetta).  The destination, Song of the Morning Ranch: Yoga Retreat of Excellence.  Speaking not a word, the wind blew through our hair.  We were both physically present, but our minds had escaped us.  As I worked to digest some recent challenges in my life a very familiar riff starting making its way through my sound system.  My reaction was immediate.  Find dial, turn to the right, listen.

Moments after doing so, I heard a sigh come from the passenger seat.  As I removed myself from my trance and looked to the right, there Bobbi sat, puzzled look on her face. “I need you to explain this. I know this song means something to you, but I need to hear why”.  I smirked and tilted my head, presenting her with what I like to call my “awwww, fuck” pose.  Little did she know what a loaded question that was.

The song, “Me and Bobby McGee”.  A song that was first introduced to me by my hippie-spirited, Janis-loving mother.  A song that instantly made its way onto the soundtrack of my life.  A song whose lyrics have been marked upon nearly every notebook, journal and sketch pad that I have ever owned.  A song that states, “freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose”.

Having spent countless hours listening to, researching and over-analyzing this song, I’ve uncovered and considered every interpretation of its lyrics documented since 1969.  If you search for the chorus on Google there’s no doubt that you’ll uncover a range of emotions.  From love to loss.  From bliss to sorrow.  From freedom to emptiness.  Much like many things in life, you will find that this song is truly subjective, 100% open for interpretation. An opportunity that I have taken full advantage of.

Upon releasing myself from my “awwww, fuck” pose, I gave a quick “hmm” and started rambling.  For the next ten miles I explained to Bobbi that, to me, achieving freedom with nothing left to lose is not as depressing as it may sound.  It’s about experiencing, overcoming obstacles and ultimately, empowerment.  It’s that moment where you realize that you’ve taken every damn lemon that life has thrown your way to create the most amazing (at times, vodka spiked) lemonade ever tasted.  It’s knowing that failure is no longer an option, because you’ve already equipped yourself with the tools to conquer anything.  It’s achieving ultimate freedom by focusing, not on what you can lose, but what you can endure.

She responded, “Okay, I like that … thank you”.  We both resumed position.  Speaking not a word, the wind blew through our hair.  We were both physically present, but our minds had escaped us.

Day 10,164.  Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.
Cherrettie