Life Expanding

I don't know how many times I've been told, "Don't engage."

As in, Don't Engage with that customer who wants to talk about the weather and the new building going up across the street. Don't Engage with the person cashing you out at the counter, what are you, a glutton for punishment? Don't you know, the more you open up, the more weirdos you let in?

This was pretty much the gist of what I was told- that if I stayed in my little corner, and only interacted with people that showed every sign of "normality" and no sign of "quirkiness", I would be better off for it.

Nope.

I can't even express how much richer my life has become by talking and interacting with people that cross my path of all ages, sizes, shapes and colors- a lot of them quirky, some of them not. It almost makes me feel like I was hiding under a rock beforehand.

The world is a beautiful place and there are multitudes of amazing people in it.

I've gotten to know the staff at our local grocery store pretty well after 4.5 years of shopping there every week on the same day at the same time. They know my name, they know my kids' names, and I know theirs. We do the small talk bit but we also have come to know more about each others' lives over the years.

Imagine my surprise when on a night out on the town with friends, I heard my name called, and there, at a table, sat some of my favorite "deli ladies"! I was so thrilled to see them! And to not have to talk to them over a counter of cheese and meat! We chatted and even danced together once the music was playing. Between them and the other friends we were with, I had the best night out that I had in a long time.

It made me so glad that I didn't listen to the advice of the past, that would have kept me tight lipped at the deli counter as I only gave my order for 1/2 lb of American cheese and then moved on with my day. It would've kept me from getting to know them and some other people who have really made a difference in my life and have made me look at things in a new way.

Be brave. Engage. Expand.