After God and my family, it's surf. I don't imagine me not

Host: The quiet hum of the café filled the air, the soft clink of coffee cups blending with the murmur of background conversations. Jack and Jeeny sat together by the window, the fading light from outside casting a warm glow on the table. Jack had a thoughtful look on his face, his fingers gently tracing the rim of his coffee cup. Jeeny, sensing his reflective mood, waited for him to speak.

Host: After a few moments, Jack looked up, his voice calm but carrying a sense of warmth.

Jack: “I came across a quote today from Gabriel Medina. He said, ‘After God and my family, it’s surf. I don’t imagine me not surfing. Surf brings me smile every day.’ It made me think about how some people find a deep connection to something in life that brings them joy every day — something they can’t imagine being without. For Medina, it’s surfing. It makes me wonder, do you think we all need that one thing, that one passion, that we can turn to for fulfillment?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned in slightly, clearly engaged with his question. Her voice was calm but filled with insight.

Jeeny: “I think Gabriel Medina’s quote speaks to the importance of having something in life that brings you pure joy, something that’s not tied to achievement or obligation, but just to feeling good. Surfing gives him that sense of freedom and happiness, something that’s his own. I do think everyone needs something like that — a passion or an outlet where they can connect with themselves and the world in a meaningful way. It doesn’t have to be the same for everyone; it could be music, art, nature, or even a hobby. It’s about finding something that makes you feel alive and brings balance to your life.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, clearly processing her words. The quiet of the café seemed to settle around them as their conversation deepened.

Jack: “I can see that. It’s like we need something that isn’t about goals or expectations, but just about doing something that makes us feel happy and centered. Something that keeps us grounded and reminds us of the joy in living.”

Jeeny smiled softly, her eyes warm with quiet understanding.

Jeeny: “Exactly. And it’s something we can come back to, no matter what else is going on in life. When everything feels chaotic or uncertain, that one thing can be a source of comfort and clarity. It’s not just about escapism; it’s about connection — to ourselves, to what we love, and to the world around us.”

Host: Jack sat back in his chair, a small smile forming on his lips as he reflected on the idea of finding joy in something simple, something that isn’t tied to achievement or responsibility. The world outside continued its usual rhythm, but inside the café, the conversation felt like a quiet reminder of the importance of embracing the things that bring us happiness — even if they’re just for our own sake.

Jack: “So, it’s not about having everything figured out. It’s about finding those moments of joy that remind us of what really matters. The things that make us smile, no matter how big or small.”

Jeeny nodded, her smile deepening with affirmation.

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s the little things that can make all the difference. And sometimes, it’s those things that keep us going, that remind us to stay present and find peace in the everyday. It’s not about the big picture all the time — it’s about those moments of joy that add up to a life well-lived.”

Host: The conversation settled into a comfortable silence, the quiet realization hanging between them that joy doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things — the things that make us smile every day — that bring the most fulfillment.