The weather is starting to cool down a bit in south Texas. It’s still hot by most standards. Instead of 100 degrees (38 Celsius), It’s cooled to 90 degrees (32.2 Celsius). Break out the gloves and scarfs – LOL. I went for a walk on a close by nature trail. I wanted some solitude and the trail offers plenty of it. Well, a biker passed by and wished me good morning. Ten minutes later he passed by again and asked how my day was going. Ten minutes later he comes up behind me and slows down and starts talking. I had several choices. I could have told him to get lost. I could have told him i wanted solitude. Or, I could engage in conversation with him. I asked myself, What if I engaged in conversation with him. My intuitive defenses weren’t giving off an alarm, so, I did. He rode at my walking pace as we talked. After a half mile, he got off his bike and walked his bike while we talked. Here were two strangers connecting. He was from India and I from the US. A mile later he thanked me for the conversation and took off on his bike. I was grateful for meeting him and the engaging conversation we shared.
What If . . .
By Ray Calabrese
I am an optimistic, can do, and never quit guy. The spirit of hope indelibly marks my DNA. My research at The Ohio State University helped people discover the best in themselves and change their personal lives, public organizations, and whole communities. I bring the same spirit and enthusiasm to my blog to help those who grieve who find themselves suddenly alone, navigate their grieving. Join my more than 24,300Twitter (@alwaysgoodstuff). I promise my tweets are always good stuff. Please feel free to email me at ray.brese@gmail.com.
This is really wonderful. Connecting on a human level. 🙂
Hi Terveen, You never know when a surprise connection walks (or rides) into your life). It usually happens at the most unexpected times (I think I hearing a storyline here – lol). If we can set our biases aside and see the intrusion as a gift, we may be surprised at what the gift holds for us Have a great day. Shine on. Ray