Open Your Eyes

I noticed something recently. I'm not sure if it's repercussions from being socially distanced and isolated, a distraction from the accessibility of cell phones, or just the changing of the times, but it seems as though I am walking through life without paying attention to people anymore - like TRULY paying attention to those around me and my environment. This is somewhat terrifying, but also disheartening that I, once deemed a "people person", really don't even seem to be interested in people much anymore (at least complete strangers, anyways).

Last year I made a commitment to myself to "be bold" and step outside of my comfort zone. In doing such, it actually led me to one of the best friendships I've had to date. However, this year has been a little different. I've become more of a homebody, seeking solace in the comfort of my own home and what's familiar to me.

As I've ruminated on these somewhat insolent actions of myself, I decided to start looking around and actually seeing people more. This mindset change started last week while I was flying to Florida. While I was standing in the security line at the Atlanta airport I happened to eavesdrop on a conversation taking place behind me. The young man was audibly frustrated in that he was likely going to miss his flight due to the long line having only two workers present, taking much longer than expected. Once his conversation was over I urged him to go in front of me, reassuring him I had more than enough time until my flight. He declined the offer and stated he would miss his flight regardless. Well low and behold, a worker came up to our section of the line and told us to go to another security line, opening the gate to allow us through. Once this happened, I pointed at him and said, "Go!", motioning ahead to the front. He ran up, anxiously making his way through and hopefully onward to his flight, allowing for the situation to visibly assuage his worries. As I was placing my own items onto the conveyor belt, I happened to look back and catch a glimpse of another man briefly lowering his mask to make funny faces, enlivening the twin boys ahead of him. I let out a chuckle, concealed by my own mask, but felt nonetheless. It was then that it occurred to me: I need to open my eyes more.

Since I had much time to kill prior to disembarking on my trip, I caught a glimpse of the Florida vs Kentucky game at a restaurant at my terminal. Florida was down 20 to 13 with just under 7 minutes to go. As a tried and true Gator Hater I said to myself, "Oh this is good. I've got to watch this play out." I grabbed a seat at the bar right in front of the television and anxiously awaited a Gator loss. Once my wish transpired, I threw my hands up in victory. A comment was made from behind me of, "must be a Kentucky fan." I turned around and said, "No, sir. I'm just a fan of whoever plays the Gators - especially when they beat them." Two older gentlemen guffawed at my response and we ended up striking up a friendly conversation. Come to find out, they were on my flight into Tallahassee and one was friends with my parents' previous next-door neighbor. We ended up talking the duration of the waiting period of the trip, as well as after we landed. My dad had come to pick me up and I told him that I had two men I wanted him to meet. Upon his arrival, he walked into the airport to greet my new (and somewhat loquacious) friends. As we said our goodbyes, one of them remarked that he was on social media and asked me to add him on Facebook. Of course, being the small world that it is, we had four mutual friends in common. Astounded, but at the same time not a tad bit surprised, I commented how small of a world it is. I always say that when you just stop and talk to someone - no matter their background, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs, or collegiate team affiliation - you are going to find common ground somewhere. The world is such a beautiful place with so much diversity, yet there are also many similarities to be found if we take the time to just stop and notice them.

So open your eyes. Pay attention. You never know what surrounds you or is at the turn of the next corner. It can open up new possibilities or merely an encouraging conversation.