When you travel, you meet people different than you, whether advertently or inadvertently. You may be waiting in line in a store, dining at an establishment, or simply walking the beach.
Yesterday morning during breakfast at a local haunt, we had the pleasure of making a new friend – if only for a couple of hours. He was a true southern gentleman and one who loved to talk. Because we had no set schedule, we were afforded the time to visit with him, listening to his life experiences, family history, and memories that many of us would long to have. He was polite, gregarious, and the type of person that made you feel like an old friend instantly.
To his point, had he stayed within this little box in his southern town and done only what was expected of him, he wouldn’t have lived. He wouldn’t have met countless people who were different – in looks, color, religion, political views and a myriad of other varied beliefs, morals, and values. But the premise of this all was how many good people he met, and how many of us just want the same things from life – to be seen, heard, loved, and appreciated. There is a common thread that unites us all.
Actually, I know many people who don’t want to be seen or heard. They’d rather drift through life not meeting new people and never stepping foot outside of their box. To each his own.
Yet what wonderful memories we make when we do. We listen, share, learn, and grow. Some of the most pivotal moments in my life were graced and made important by strangers. They allowed me to speak and arrive at difficult decisions on my own. They showed me different ways to approach life and life’s challenges. They offered me a glimpse into themselves. Beautiful moments, great – and some not so great – times, yet poignant memories to last a lifetime which many lessons learned.
Lift the lid, poke your head out, then step outside of your box. Leave your zip code. Travel. Talk with people. Educate yourself. Slow down enough to connect. Open your heart and mind to the world.
