Last week whilst I was “running” on the trail, I passed two women deep in conversation.
“I’m so proud of myself,” I heard one say.
“I’m so proud of you and happy for you!” the other replied.
I hit the end of the trail, turned around, and passed them again. They were having the same conversation.
“I’m so glad I took care of myself,” the first said, with clear tremors in her voice.
“I am too,” her friend offered.
I got about ten feet from them, having my own conversation – dare I say debate – in my head.
“Lis,” I thought, “they might not want you to say anything to them.”
“But,” I thought in reply, “we so rarely take care of ourselves and are proud of ourselves. That needs to be celebrated.” The debate went on.
Perhaps no surprise, I did turn around and run back to them.
“Excuse me,” I started. “I don’t mean to eavesdrop, and I don’t need to know any details, but whatever you did that you’re proud of, yay you! That’s amazing, and it’s amazing you did something for you. Celebrate that!”
The woman started to cry.
“Thank you,” she said. “Thank you so much! You’ve made my week saying that to me.”
We talked for a few minutes longer, and then she admitted that she’d done something to handle her infertility and how it was affecting her.
I had to jump in more. “Infertility is awful,” I offered. “it’s so hard, and no one really knows you’re suffering. It’s awful.”
She really started to cry. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she exclaimed. “Thank you so much for stopping and saying these things. This means so much to me!”
I offered her a hug, told her that when she had whatever child she had, she would realize she couldn’t have had a child sooner because it wouldn’t be this one, and turned around and ran on.
This is why I talk to strangers.
Each day, each moment, is a choice for me. How do I want to show up? How do I want to be? How can I share and spread love and joy and connection? I am the person that the crossing guard stops traffic for, so that we can give each other a huge hug, and the garbage collector gets out of his truck to say hi to.
Connection is so important. People are so beautiful. Love is so easy to share.
When I open my heart.
This is why I talk to strangers.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you. Let’s start a movement of loving ourselves First Most Always!
