Do Talk To Strangers (my work in progress) is a book about Connecting. We can connect or disconnect in a moment. We can open a world of possibilities for ourselves and others, or grow slowly and stunted. We can grow to become better and more authentic connectors as we become more aware of how we open up or close ourselves off to others.
To become a better connector, I recommend starting small. To make great connections in a business setting, become a better connector out and about where you have no idea of someone’s status – just reach out to other human beings in brief moments and put some smiles on faces. Small acts can create big impacts, so here’s a few ideas you can choose from and try out or do more of this week. Observe what happens and how you feel.
A smile. Walking down the street smiling not only makes it easy to connect even momentarily with others and share a smile, it improves your own mood and puts a bounce in your step.
A smile and wave. When you’re out walking, for exercise or on your way to work, see someone across the street and give them a wave, and a smile. Bonus.
A cheery “Good morning!” – perhaps along with a smile and wave – and you could really make someone’s day. You’ll feel the positive vibes too.
After writing a few weeks ago about Ethan waving to a man across the street “He feels special and I do too…”
Julie Woods, aka That Blind Woman, wrote to me with this story –
Hey Kerrie – I loved your Ethan waving story – it reminded me of my husband Ron. Every morning when we go for a walk at 6 am, Ron waves to the bus drivers who come past. I am told they wave back and often smile. The thing is, it’s catchy this waving at bus drivers thing! I’ve found I’ve caught the bug! But this is where it gets kind of ridiculous – here I am – a totally blind woman, standing in the middle of the footpath, waving to a bus driver who I can’t see but he can see me! My sighted guide Jo often tells me they wave back which really is kind of cool! That means even a crazy blind woman can wave to bus drivers and bring a little bit of sunshine to both our days! Hugs from NZ! Julie
So, what will you do this week to increase your own and others happiness and connectivity?
- Smile. At more people than you did last week.
- Smile and wave.
- Smile, wave and say “Hello!” Or “good morning!” – or anything else that rolls off your tongue.
What if you do all or any of these things just a little more than last week?
I said “Good morning” to a gentleman on a train a couple of years ago, which led to many country students receiving funding for tertiary education. It’s truly amazing what can be on the other side of a hello.
I’d love to hear your results and/or observations! Join our new Do Talk To Strangers group, and share your thoughts. No result is too small or insignificant to mention. A skip in your step is a very cool thing. We need more empathy, respect, compassion and joy in our world. And small acts can lead to huge impacts.
Cheering you on,
Kerrie
PS. On the right side of the home page you can access Extraordinary Conversations – a free download with a preview chapter of DO Talk To Strangers – How to Connect With Anyone, Anywhere – Click here!
