“Be kind to strangers.  Let strangers be kind to you.  Think of it as a positive exchange of comfort and compassion in the circle of life.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

While scanning greeting cards, recently, a fellow browser was humming along with the store’s holiday music.  Grinning behind my mask, I looked over at her. “Sounds like the music’s got you in the Spirit of the season,” I remarked.  She chuckled, “Most definitely!  I absolutely love this time of year.”  The woman next to her chimed in, “Me too! It’s the best!”  And just like that, the three of us connected.  It felt like we were school girls in cahoots, enjoying a secret.  It was so good to feel part of a community again!

Walking away from the card store with my purchases, I pondered how all this mask-wearing and distancing over the last twenty or so months had changed my encounters when out and about running errands.  I tended to make quick in-and-out trips to the store, grabbing whatever it was that I needed.  No lingering, no browsing, just getting the job done and back out the door.  I hurried without paying much attention to anyone.  My sole focus was on the task at hand.  In my single-mindedness, not only did I forget to talk with strangers, I didn’t even acknowledge them!  This needs to change, I muttered to myself.

My next stop was at a grocery chain where you put in a quarter to release a cart and get your quarter back when you return it to its corral.  It’s not uncommon for people to give you a quarter in the parking lot for your cart to save themselves and you time.  I was about to return my cart when a shopper heading for the store, approached me, quarter in hand, and asked if she could have my cart.  I replied, “Definitely, be my guest” as I waved off her quarter.  She said, “Don’t be silly!” extending her hand again insisting that I take her quarter.  “No, it’s fine,” I smiled, adding, as she became visibly uncomfortable that I wouldn’t take her money, “Just pay it forward to someone else when you’re done with it.”  After considering that, she relented, thanking me as she went on her way.  While I have no idea if she remembered to give it to someone else, I do entertain visions of “paying it forward” being passed on from customer to customer the rest of the day.  We all get to choose which reality we entertain right?!?  Since the thought of all that goodwill warms my heart, this is the version I choose.

Becoming self-absorbed was very easy to slide into during the pandemic.  It’s taking ‘intentional practice’ on my part to turn my attention outward again.  My life is so much more fulfilled when I connect with fellow humans.  What better time of year to practice this than now, during the season of gratitude and joy?!?

~Zanne
InSearchOfAuthenticity.com
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