At my last Boston Marathon with RW, as things with work were getting funky, I suddenly learned the beauty of talking with strangers. An introvert at heart, social interactions were sometimes overwhelming for me especially in group settings. But I realized that one on one was a completely different experience. So a conversation while waiting in the Jamba Juice line with a man who had bought his wife a book which led to a lovely narrative about what an incredible woman his wife is, chatting with a street musician on Newbury St who had a rich jazz background, and just the sweet humanity of seeing people and engaging in a way that acknowledged our shared humanity. It was a soothing balm that my heart and soul needed especially at that time, and opened a world of kindness that I received and reciprocated without the burden of the so-often emotional complications of our relationships. Guess that is how I found my happy spot in retirement working in an historic, old-timey General Store—now enthusiastically chatting up the customers. My new-found super power creating connection and warmth in a world that has gotten quite unkind and divisive. These little things matter. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me of mine.
You have always, always had that super power. You were the first person who actually made me feel like I wasn’t an imposter at RW, and that maybe, just maybe, I DID belong there. Even if it was short lived. I am forever glad it brought you into my orbit. You’re one of the good ones.
"Please finish your story." When hub and I are out and we hear a story unfolding we text each other questions or replies as if we're part of that table/line talk. Once in a while I do interrupt in solidarity. Hasn't gotten me in trouble, yet. I love this post!
At my last Boston Marathon with RW, as things with work were getting funky, I suddenly learned the beauty of talking with strangers. An introvert at heart, social interactions were sometimes overwhelming for me especially in group settings. But I realized that one on one was a completely different experience. So a conversation while waiting in the Jamba Juice line with a man who had bought his wife a book which led to a lovely narrative about what an incredible woman his wife is, chatting with a street musician on Newbury St who had a rich jazz background, and just the sweet humanity of seeing people and engaging in a way that acknowledged our shared humanity. It was a soothing balm that my heart and soul needed especially at that time, and opened a world of kindness that I received and reciprocated without the burden of the so-often emotional complications of our relationships. Guess that is how I found my happy spot in retirement working in an historic, old-timey General Store—now enthusiastically chatting up the customers. My new-found super power creating connection and warmth in a world that has gotten quite unkind and divisive. These little things matter. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me of mine.
You have always, always had that super power. You were the first person who actually made me feel like I wasn’t an imposter at RW, and that maybe, just maybe, I DID belong there. Even if it was short lived. I am forever glad it brought you into my orbit. You’re one of the good ones.
"Please finish your story." When hub and I are out and we hear a story unfolding we text each other questions or replies as if we're part of that table/line talk. Once in a while I do interrupt in solidarity. Hasn't gotten me in trouble, yet. I love this post!
Love that!!!!