Every morning, as I drive the same stretch of road to work, I drive along this one street that has been under construction for nearly two months. And every morning, as I drive slowly along this road, I see the same men, hard at work laying new pipes to carry water throughout town.
Then one morning, I decided to do something different.
Instead of mindlessly driving the same route to work, and mindlessly driving past the same men who synchronously held and rotated the “Slow” and “Stop” signs used to regulate traffic, I did something that broke the barrier of this daily routine…I lifted my hand and waved ‘hello’.
I know, really simple…however, I couldn’t imagine why they looked at me crossed-eyed.
So the next day, I waved again.
The next day, I waved yet again.
The next day, I finally received a wave back.
This quickly became our new routine. As I drove by, I would wave and smile, and they would wave and smile back. Before long, they would wave at me before I had the chance to wave at them.
We built a connection. I know that sounds weird…but really, it isn’t…it’s human.
As humans, we have the overwhelming desire to be connected…it’s the reason we make friends, fall in love, have children, etc. The lack of ‘connection’ can leave us feeling depressed, sad, lonely. In fact, aversion to ‘connection’ is often considered to be a sign of psychopathy.
Connection is an innate feeling that we all — for the most part — have. However, sometimes between the busyness of life, going to and from work, staring at our cellphones…Facebook… the connection can get a little lost. I am extremely guilty of that…like most ‘kids’ of my generation.
This brief and random experience taught me a lesson. It is okay to break social barriers, allowing yourself to ‘connect’ with someone…even in the littlest way. For me it was a simple wave, for you it might be buying someone a cup of coffee, volunteering your time at a children’s hospital or soup kitchen. Or just smiling, letting someone know that you see them — something other than the mindless operations of life.
Most importantly, you never know what people are going through in their lives. Maybe a wave, or a random act of kindness, is exactly what they need to help get them through their work day, or whatever situation they might be in.
Until Next Time,
<3
[Tweet ““A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” ― John Lennon”]
Exactly! You just never know what someone is going through.
I love this so much! I also think about these things often when I’m doing what seem to be, mundane things or the “everyday” tasks that seem normal.
I am this kind of person. I will say hello to everyone.
Absolutely! An act of kindness, small or large, is still a wonderful thing.
It really is 🙂
Yep. I wave at workers all the time. It is a little thing. But it sure beats road rage!
Haha, yes!!!
I am shy by nature and sometimes I think about doing something like this to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I totally identify with you! I’m shy as well, but I realize that it’s very rewarding!
This post really put a smile on my face! You’re right, it’s such a simple gesture, but it really does make a difference! I love when random strangers smile or wave at me, it gives me a little more pep. I’m going to start doing this more often.
Aww, I’m glad you enjoyed it! It really can make a difference in a day…
Good for you!! I always wave at construction workers and other people on the street. It’s a “Tina Thing”. I say “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” and I hold the door open too. A smile goes a long long way in this crazy world!
I bet that small gesture, makes the day a little bit brighter for those men. It’s sad that our world has become so jaded that people don’t take the time for small pleasantries. Kudos to you for keeping it up.
I love this! I always wave at construction workers or anyone in my neighborhood! haha! I love to wave. It is such a fun connection both ways!
That’s very well said, I love it. We do yearn for connection hence the quote —“No man is an island.” Thanks for the reminder that a little gesture goes a long way.
Without connection I don’t think I would have been able to do half of the stuff I have done in my lifetime. Being connected is empowering.
Love this post! I’m so glad you shared it. Thanks for sharing!
I think we all forget to stay connected especially since we spend so much time behind a computer screen. Thanks for the reminder
I love to wave and say Hi to people I dont know like if we were friends.. Eventually we always ends up like friends so I already know everybody in the block haha
That’s awesome. Life is about connections, big and small. You never know who’s going through what. Or the effect a smile or a wave may have on someone.
A little wave and a smile can make someone’s day!
I truly love this post! Sometimes we forget to just be human and build connections with each other. Thank you for the inspiration!
YES!!!! Oh my gosh, YES! I probably look like a creep to some people because I smile at everyone, I wave to people that pass by, I make small talk in the checkout line, etc etc! But really, so many people just don’t make little connections anymore and it’s kind of sad really! It takes the smallest act to make someone’s day!
I always think when someone is rude that maybe its because they’re going through something. Great post and outlook!
So true, you really never know what’s going on inside another human being. A wave or smile could make all the difference. Love your positivity!
And you’re probably bringing them joy in the mundane part of their day too! Great post!
I do not like any social barrier…sometimes our best friend or spouse is on the other side of that barrier
Indeed it is something that seems lost, my suggestion is to say hello to everyone you meet daily at the same place, im sure there will be some connections found there.
It’s so true, we need to feel a connection to others. I love that something as simple as a wave can build that connection.
I love to connect with people especially my neighbors, you never know how they could end up being there for you!
What a great lesson this teaches us. I try to smile at people when I cross their path, but I love your example even more.
That was a sweet gesture. Waving to others, even strangers is not something that is usually done by folks in my country. Pretty sad, huh? It’s something that I wish we did more of. A smile or a simple nod or wave usually goes a long way.
Lovely step. Just one simple smile can make someone’s day better.
They’re probably more used to people flipping them off. My uncle owns a towing/excavating company so we always wave at the workers, they appreciate it!
You have no idea how a simple gesture can change someone’s day. I’ve never really thought about making connections in that way but it’s true, we do. They might not be forever connections but to that person that might mean everything! I love your perspective on this everyday, routine situation.
When I drive, I jam out and blast music. When I am stopped at red lights, I typically generate some attention, and this leads me to laugh and smile and encourage them to dance too! It’s the friggin’ best! And you’re right – you have NO IDEA what people are going through… So try and make their day better with a wave, smile or a JAM SESSION!
Love the message behind this post! It’s SO true that such a simple act can break the barrier and then you’ve formed a new connection that cannot be as easily broken!
I speak and talk everyone I love meeting new people.
As we come to our daily lives we need to get connected to people around us. it is a way how we go as a person and who knows you might have unconsciously building a good relationship with someone.
I always try to wave at people I come across while driving, you never know if you can make their day!
That is so true! Sometimes when I’m walking in Target, I’ll just randomly say hi to someone as I pass buy and they look startled at first, but then smile and say hi back.
I always try to smile at people. You never know when a smile can change someones whole day.
I try to do this at times but its hard when people don’t say hi back or completely ignore. It feels really bad.
i love your writing! And yes, a little effort and grace goes along way.