The joy and wisdom of unexpected connections!

I know I’ve mentioned the Mel Robbins podcast earlier in the summer, but I just re-listened to a great recent episode about just saying, “hi”, and the surprising science of how it relates to happiness. It really struck a chord with me the first time I heard it and re-listening reminded me that I need to continue doing it … and you should too! It’s about taking those random opportunities that come your way to make connections with people, to just say ‘hi’ and the long term impact those connections can make in your life. I’ve put it into practice in the past on my solo trips, but it also reminded me of the first time I listened to this episode when I was on my daily walk and how a serendipitous “Hi” led to a new friendship … and how putting it into practice on my current trip in Ireland also turned out to be really fun.

The basic gist is that by making a little effort, by stepping out of your comfort zone a bit, and putting yourself out there, you can have a positive effect on your life, and maybe someone else’s, just by saying “Hi” to a stranger.

So, I was on my daily walk around Balboa Island and on my way home I saw a woman at the end of my block sitting on her porch having her coffee and wearing a green “Dublin” sweatshirt. As I walked by I just said, “Hi, have you ever been to Dublin?” That simple question started a conversation and serendipitous friendship that continued even after she left the island and returned to her home. After talking for a couple of minutes, she invited me to sit on her porch and I ended up chatting with her for over half an hour and invited her over to my place for an afternoon later in the week. We had many things in common, not the least of which was our love for Ireland … the beauty of the landscape, but more importantly the wonderful, warm people. In chatting for a bit we realized we both love writing (she went on a writer’s retreat in Ireland, has written a children’s book & a book of poetry, and a blog too), she loves Paris and she has rented the same home down the street from me for a month every year for the past 8 summers.

Mel said “Some of your most favorite people are people you haven’t met yet!” I keep that idea with me all the time, especially when I’m traveling solo. Do you realize that so many people you love in your life were once strangers? God, life is fun if you open yourself up to the possibilities and new connections you may make today.

On my current trip (I’m writing this from Clare Island in County Mayo, Ireland) I traveled for two weeks with my friend Jan. We stayed at Belleek Castle for a couple of nights and met a charming couple while sitting having a glass of wine in the fireside lounge. I can talk to anyone about traveling and we just started comparing notes on random places in Europe that we’d all visited or had plans to visit. The Clancys are very well traveled and they split their time between Lake Como in Italy and Boston. They were so interesting to talk to and by the end of our lengthy conversation I had a couple of restaurant recommendations for my imminent trip to Rome in a few weeks and insight into their two-continent lifestyle. We left to go to dinner in the castle restaurant, which was delish by the way, and we stopped back into the lounge on our way out and they were still there. We chatted a few more minutes, hugged goodbye and I said, “I hope to see you again someday.” and Margie said, ‘No, we will definitely meet again someday.’” Love that! If you’re planning a trip to Italy, check out their business, The Gastro Nomad, bespoke gastronomy and wine tours.

Okay, last one and it was so quick and simple. I was walking into a store and there was a guy in front of me who stopped, opened the door and stepped back to let me go in first. I said, “Thank you.” and he said, ‘Look, I got a beautiful smile for the day.’” C’mon how nice is that … made my day! So it doesn’t have to be along conversation. Just a simple hi may make someone’s day. So often we go about our lives on auto-pilot and the feeling like we have to get things done, stick to a routine or get from A to B. What if maybe this weekend, or on your next trip, why not just say, “Hi” to someone and see how it makes you feel. I like this quote from Oscar Wilde on Barb’s blog …

“For one moment our lives met, our souls touched.”

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!