I was walking and talking with a friend recently. I don’t see her very often and we were catching up. Amidst the chirping of birds and other early morning sounds, we touched on challenges posed by lifelong personality traits.
A shy child, I think of myself as somewhat reclusive by choice. As I get older, I realize how important social interactions are. I’ve always led a fairly quiet life and I’ve liked it that way. It has been my habit to avoid crowds, going places at times when I don’t have to stand in line, for example.
It has dawned on me, lately, that I actually like people and enjoy being sociable! Standing in line is a great way to meet and talk with people!
Learning to find opportunities seems to mean being less compulsive about work and taking time out for the possibility of social serendipity. It is a remarkably different way of approaching daily life and requires checking my perceptions and assumptions about who I am.
I was sharing this epiphany with my friend, who suggested taking it further than chancing social interaction. She suggested seeking an adventure every day. Then, she followed that advice with the directive, “Each day, talk with a stranger!”
Well, I haven’t talked with a stranger each day, but I have talked with a few, and have (mostly) been delighted. I have begun to rethink who I’ve always thought I was, especially about simply accepting those traits that are restrictive. Sometimes it’s the tiniest bit scary to find I’m not who I thought I was, but I have found it’s more than the tiniest bit exciting to experience what a greater openness brings.
I think they call it personal growth, and it’s really kind of fun! Have you talked with any strangers lately?
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| Comfortable out of my comfort zone! |
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