Elevating Experiences: What Makes a Good Experience Great?

So, over the last few months, I’ve been racing to get through all the Marvel movies that my friend, Miguel, let me borrow, so that I’ll understand the story line when I go watch *Avengers: Infinity War* with my friends Cathy, Miguel, & his girlfriend, Nicole. Miguel often likes to make the experience extra-special, so he’s taking it a step further by treating all of us to either a drive-in movie or the VIP experience, which is something that neither Cathy nor I have experienced before, so it’ll be a fun & new experience for the both of us, regardless.

One time in the past, we attempted to do the VIP option, but I didn’t have my ID on me, so all of my friends were kind enough to change their tickets to regular ones, so that we could all watch the movie. It was a bittersweet moment, because I felt bad that we couldn’t do VIP because of me, but, at the time, I also felt so grateful that I had such kind friends who would be willing to change their tickets just for me. That’s one of those small gestures that makes you appreciate your friends even more — you know what I mean?

While they were exchanging their tickets, they explained to me that they were surprised that the people at the theatre wanted to see all of our IDs, because at a different movie theatre, they only asked to see one. In addition, it’s not like I’m not of legal age — it’s pretty obvious that I am — but I guess, different theatre, different rules?

Anyway, while I’m really looking forward to going to see the new Avengers movie with them, truth be told, I haven’t necessarily cared much for superhero movies these last few years, as I’ve been busy tackling issues that I cared about on my social media, which is why I’m behind on keeping up with all the Marvel movies in the first place. Don’t get me wrong — as a child, I did watch the cartoons, but I’ve never been a diehard fan, & I’m not a comic-book kind of guy (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

So, why am I going through the trouble of watching all these movies in the first place? Well… other than the fact that it’s a new experience, & the fact that I love the concept of having individual standalone films that then come together for the Avengers — not to mention their promotional posters are totally awesome — I’m really doing it because I enjoy the company of these people.

I recently went to the Vancouver International Auto Show, & that was a new experience for all of us, but for me, I didn’t necessarily go because of the cars, because it wasn’t the cars that made the experience. Don’t get me wrong — I admire certain cars, but it was me spending time with the right people, for the right occasion, that made the experience. You can really see what I mean in the video I shot during the event, which I uploaded on DTube, & you can watch here:

My friends & I had a lot of great moments together!

Have you ever found yourself asking yourself what makes something worth doing? I mean, really asked it, & then investigated it until you came up with the right answer? I have, because that question plagued me until I found the answer.

I’m a person who values relationships, beauty, communication, time, pleasure, & ethics. From my personal experience, I’ve found that, if something is easy, it isn’t worth doing, but I’ve also found that doing certain things isn’t enjoyable unless you’re sharing those experiences with the right company.

I’m not saying you gotta do everything with people — of course, there are certain things you gotta do on your own (like going to the bathroom). In fact, I spend more time on my own than I do with people, because I truly enjoy my own company. After all, how can you truly appreciate someone else’s company when you hate your own?

I love having my own personal time. I love studying, writing, & meditating on my own. But, at the same time, certain things just aren’t worth doing by yourself.

For instance, would you rather go to a restaurant to try something new by yourself, or with the right friends? Would you rather go watch a new movie in the movie theatre by yourself, or enjoy it with the right friends? Would you rather go to a theme park to ride rides & play games by yourself, or enjoy them with friends? Exactly. Most of the time, you’d prefer to share those experiences with friends.

That being said, I’ve also found that not every “friend” is worth sharing every experience with, because not every “friend” is a friend. But I suppose that this makes those individuals either acquaintances or frenemies, rather than actual friends.

This is something I’ve been pondering for some time, & thought I’d share here with all of you. If you haven’t considered the idea of what I’m saying, you get to walk away with a new perspective, & if you have, then you got to read a totally awesome story about me. 😉

Anyway… ’til next time,

Ryan