SMALL TALK in a big world.

Years ago I created a board for one of my photography exhibits stating my truth as an introvert: 
"I am loneliest in a room full of people". 
It is still true today.
However, if you stretch the boundaries of that room out into life- I am not.  I am the opposite.

My exhibits were photo-journalistic in nature, and largely built upon the premise that we never know who may live among us- what someone's story is.
We assume there may or may not be any crossovers in our interests, our mindset, the lives we lead.

To open up to the idea that sharing in small pieces, is to live in the present and slow down.

This summer while I was on a bike ride, I saw a woman sitting at the edge of her driveway. 
She waved at me and said "I sure would love to visit". 
I turned around- (in part because I was worried about her, and in part because I was fascinated). 
She is 92- appears ten years younger.  She has blonde-grey hair, bright blue eyes, beautiful, taut skin
and rosy cheeks.  She is articulate and spirited. 
Her husband passed away a few years ago and while both her daughters live locally,
they are busy during the day and she is bored because she can no longer drive.

What I learn from her and am reminded of each time we talk is... 
How beautiful it is that she will go out of her way to get her social needs met- and how it actually works.
How fear is not a part of her experience.
How alive, spirited and strong she is, still-
How much she loved her life and her husband...
And, how inspired I am to live life this fully every day.

I write this blog today, because I was reminded again-
when I met three different people while out running errands.
They struck up a conversation in passing- for seemingly insignificant reasons.
But, our exchanges touched each of us in some way. 
A woman in a hot pink wool coat, with a Nike cap and Prius, asking about my recycled bags turned into a conversation about Florida, Chicago and the Museum of Art.

We are all so busy- leaving ourselves open to these conversations can seem like a waste of precious time. 
But, we never know what they will share that can shift our perceptions, our day, our lives-
It is a moment of divine opportunity.

Next time someone passes you- dare to believe you each have a gift to share with the other. 
Even if it's just a smile...and positive energy.
-D