[Breaking in a new notebook with this blog post – peep the photo].
Loving myself wholeheartedly and putting forth my whole heart into each human connection that adds value to my life is the most beautiful, most radical thing I can commit to.
Two feel-good stories to share with you today:
[1]
About a year and some days ago, Katie and I decided to treat ourselves to a couple of overpriced hot chocolates from Mindy’s in Wicker Park. We both had a stressful day, and let’s be real, nothing soothes life’s stressors better than a quality venting sesh with bae (and spiked hot chocolate, obvi). The candles and dimmed, romantic ambiance of the room helped us maintain reasonably calm tones while we talked, despite the rage that was boiling on the inside. We shared some laughs, shed some tears and sighs throughout – that’s how you know the venting sesh was a good one. We finished off our luxurious hot chocolates and requested the check as the night was winding down. The waiter smiled then said, “The couple that was sitting next to you took care of your bill already. They sensed that you had a bad day and wanted you to end it on a happier note.”
Pretty sure I burst out sobbing immediately after. That was so unnecessary, yet so insanely nice of them!! I barely caught a glimpse of what the couple even looked like, and I doubt they’ll ever stumble their way to this blog post to hear how much I wish I could thank them. Wow. Human decency is still out there.
[2]
About a month ago, once again in Wicker Park, at La Colombe this time, I posted up to start my Monday morning work grind. I noticed a tiny toddler – about 3 years young – being incredibly cute while eating her blueberry yogurt…
Sidebar: It’s beyond me how kids could do literally anything and look stupid cute doing it. Literally, there is nothing cute about me chomping down my Chobani.
.. Back to the tiny toddler enjoying her yogurt. We’ll call her Yogurt Youngin’. Few minutes later, in walks another tiny toddler – roughly the same age as Yogurt Youngin’ – with her dad. It was a solid two degrees fahrenheit outside, and this tiny toddler, with no gloves on to cover her tiny toddler hands, chose to hug her fluffy toy bunny rather than hide her hands inside her jacket. We’ll call her Bunny Baby.
These two toddlers, Yogurt Youngin’ and Bunny Baby, had never met before today. Yet, within minutes, they were chasing each other around La Colombe until Bunny Baby’s dad said it was time for them to go. As Bunny Baby walked out, Yogurt Youngin’ burst into tears and waved the saddest goodbye I ever had the pleasure to witness. Wow. That made my heart so warm. It took literally nothing for these two innocent toddler souls to warm up to each other. I started some small talk with Yogurt Youngin’s mom, telling her how all of us can restore any inklings of doubt we have in human decency by just watching today’s kids. That day got me thinking: why is it that, as adults, our instincts are to immediately ignore or avoid strangers while kids’ [instincts] are to find ways to connect and form friendships?
—
Seriously though, we walk the streets of this world with our heads down and headphones in, sometimes without anything even playing but with the comfort of knowing that those around you will assume you can’t hear them. We need to stop ignoring and start loving people with a depth and richness we have never loved before. It’s crazy to avoid loving someone just because you don’t agree with them — whether that be their mayoral vote, their $1000 Canada Goose jacket, or the bar they walk into. At the end of the day, aren’t we all just a bunch of walking contradictions in some way, shape, or form anyway?
The main takeaway is this: We need to let go of our instincts of judgement and ignorance, and we need to replace them with love and intentional acts of kindness that will bring more joy into this world. Even if it’s not easy. Even if it’s something you disagree with. Even if it’s something that makes you uncomfortable. It’s something that’s a choice.
Swipe someone onto the subway. Tip your server a little extra. Buy that coworker that has been driving you crazy a cup of coffee. Reconnect with the homeless even if you don’t have a dollar to give; just take your earbuds out and say hello.
Do all of these things, even if you think they don’t deserve it.
My goals for the near future are two-fold:
- Enrich connections with the people I love by loving harder while remaining raw in my intentions to do so.
- Find small acts of kindness each day that’ll make a stranger smile.
—
My mind has felt like a marathon lately, racing more than ever. With that, I remind myself that spring is here and the sun is at least attempting to realize that Chicago is a safe place for it to stay. That alone gives me reason and energy to smile more and to be a nicer person.
Loving people is going to cost you something you value, maybe even your own beliefs. But if you choose to love harder and connect deeper, it’ll be worth the sacrifice. I promise.
Yours truly,
a daughter, not seeking agreement nor approval, just love ♥
Hawaiian Princess Pieces 