The Kindness of Strangers
Another Tuesday and I'm happy to participate in the Moms' 30 Minute Blog Challenge. See what other moms are blogging about over at Steady Mom.
LP and I just returned from 4 days in Boston and it was a whirlwind of activity, family and friends. Overall, a great trip and since it was a short trip packed with things to do and people to see, neither of us got adjusted to East Coast time so it has been an easier return to our daily life.
Along the way, we experienced many kindnesses large and small. I've realized over the years that the practice of improv has helped me become a better observer of life. I'm more aware of body language and eye contact and more likely to engage with strangers who are "available." As I've grown more willing to be take social risks (saying "yes" to someone who is available for interaction), I've also become more willing to ask for help when I need it (completely against my New England DIY upbringing).
What a gift that was to me on this trip!
So thank you to the strangers who helped us:
*The TSA folks in Boston who helped retrieve the Kleen Kanteen I left on the plane on the way in and helped me get through a particularly hectic security line on the way back
*The family that took a turn listening for our names to be called to get our seat assignments so I could take LP for a much needed diaper change
*The flight attendant who took pity on me in my quest to board early simply to deal with the carseat (no, no, no said the airline) and took it on with him when he got on the plane
*The older woman who was fun conversation during our extra hour wait in Logan Airport and who came to sit with LP on the plane and read to her so I could go to the bathroom alone
*The passengers on both flights who helped me get the darn carseat off the plane (If we travel much more, I'm getting a CARES harness and checking the thing)
Happy Thanksgiving all around...and if you are in the Bay Area, remember Let It Snow: An Improvised Holiday Musical opens this Friday! We perform a full-length, Broadway-style musical set in the hometown of one of the audience members. It is a great way of traveling for the holidays, without all the hassle!
LP and I just returned from 4 days in Boston and it was a whirlwind of activity, family and friends. Overall, a great trip and since it was a short trip packed with things to do and people to see, neither of us got adjusted to East Coast time so it has been an easier return to our daily life.
Along the way, we experienced many kindnesses large and small. I've realized over the years that the practice of improv has helped me become a better observer of life. I'm more aware of body language and eye contact and more likely to engage with strangers who are "available." As I've grown more willing to be take social risks (saying "yes" to someone who is available for interaction), I've also become more willing to ask for help when I need it (completely against my New England DIY upbringing).
What a gift that was to me on this trip!
So thank you to the strangers who helped us:
*The TSA folks in Boston who helped retrieve the Kleen Kanteen I left on the plane on the way in and helped me get through a particularly hectic security line on the way back
*The family that took a turn listening for our names to be called to get our seat assignments so I could take LP for a much needed diaper change
*The flight attendant who took pity on me in my quest to board early simply to deal with the carseat (no, no, no said the airline) and took it on with him when he got on the plane
*The older woman who was fun conversation during our extra hour wait in Logan Airport and who came to sit with LP on the plane and read to her so I could go to the bathroom alone
*The passengers on both flights who helped me get the darn carseat off the plane (If we travel much more, I'm getting a CARES harness and checking the thing)
Happy Thanksgiving all around...and if you are in the Bay Area, remember Let It Snow: An Improvised Holiday Musical opens this Friday! We perform a full-length, Broadway-style musical set in the hometown of one of the audience members. It is a great way of traveling for the holidays, without all the hassle!
posted by Susan at
3:38 PM
5 Comments:
What a great post!!! So good to be reminded how important "the kindness of strangers" can be!!
Hello -- I enjoyed your post! I'm glad you had such helpful people to connect with on your travels.
(found you via Steady Mom's 30-minute challenge)
Blessings,
Stacy
Great reminder of how many good things are out there if we are open to them. Glad you had a good trip!
Writing this post and focusing on the good has really helped me re-enter life at home in a better space (it is often rocky, I'm better with slow transitions) -- especially since our airline encounters were rather miserable. I'm also trying to keep it present with me so I can be a kind stranger.
How nice that you were able to see the goodness (especially in a bustling airport!) Doesn't it have a way of making everything seem lighter?!
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