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It’s something I have always done. Use the few precious moments give to me to speak to a stranger, to smile, to say hi, to spread joy. So of course to me, this is a natural habit that all people do….right?? Apparently not. Some people even see it as odd. So while in New Orleans this year with my niece, I got such a laugh out of her view on the way I am. While sitting by the pool at our hotel, we spent an hour speaking to a couple who had been traveling the world and had just spent the last few years living in Mexico. Both were physical therapist and had a very cute rescue dog that traveled with them. We laughed, shared stories, and left friends. I truly believe if I see their faces again in this lifetime, I will know them. It’s just kind of how it is. I think it is normal, I am actually sitting there after they leave thinking what a great couple they are when out of now where my niece goes, “Well you might not have ever been wild and done the one night stand thing…but man do you ever more one hour friend people. It’s almost the same thing.”
Of course I just laughed and went on with my day. That is until we were heading to the wedding I was shooting and got stopped by a red-light. My window was down and I was sitting even with a gentleman who was working on the building on the corner and was taking a little break (or in his words “I am waiting for them young bucks up there to get it straight. What they messed up. So I can do my job.). Of course you can guess what happened. We had the best 2 minute conversation ever and as I drove away we were both laughing up a storm. It’s nice to leave some one smiling and laughing. I was content and in such a happy place, and then she said it………….. “Oh geez, now your drive by friending too. There has to be a support group for this.”
I laughed until I almost cried. Drive by friending. I really hope it becomes a fad one day…where everyone wants to do it……because there really is nothing better than stepping out side of yourself for a moment and letting some one else speak of their story. Even if it is just for a minute, try it. Speak to the person waiting with you in a Baton Rouge Starbucks for their coffee. You just might find out that her son is a star basketball player and she is seeing her family for Christmas for the first time in 3 years, or that she loves bacon. Just random little facts, but precious in remembering the person and in opening yourself up to see a life outside your own. My sweet husband and sons have all joined in at times, so I guess we are a drive by friending family. If you think this kind of thing is just weird or dumb, you may need to remind yourself you are a part of mankind, not an entity unto yourself.
Kind of hope some one takes the challenge and does a little drive by friending today. You will be surprised what you can walk away with. Oh and if your catching a cab…….Use it as a challenge……ok, ride is 5 minutes long, my goal, make grouchy cabby smile before leaving cab…game on.
There are so many ways we could be connecting with others……step outside yourself and connect with some one today. Always remember, Joy is contagious and it should be shared.
send it
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