Ever got caught staring?
They lift up their head, your eyes meet, and then you furiously pretend to be looking at the poster behind them.
Maybe you wobble a bit to this side, then lean over to that side, as if they’re in the way and you’re trying to see past them.
This happened to me yesterday.
I was in a cab, we were stuck at the traffic lights, and I was busy people-watching.
My attention was on this woman at the bus stop.
Not quite old yet, not middle-aged anymore, steadily heading into grandmother territory.
She lifted her head up. Our eyes met.
Before I could look away, she smiled at me and waved. And I found myself smiling back.
It was such a small gesture. A fleeting connection. But it had a domino effect on the rest of my day.
It put a little sprint in my step. I walked into the gym with a little more gusto, and complimented someone on my way in.
Maybe I was less irritable even.
Before that moment, I was caught in the bustle of the day.
You know what it’s like. We’re all human after all, and we know what a joy and terror THAT is.
Deadlines to meet. Employees to pay. Calls to make.
The unexpected smile interrupted the pattern.
That’s what I want these daily posts to be for you.
A smile that interrupts your day.
I can’t think of a better way to spend 10 minutes of my life than crafting words into smiles.
When I sit down to write one of these posts, I like to imagine moments going out into the world.
10,000 smiles on people’s faces before noon.
I stare at the screen on this end now.
A few hours later you look up on that end.
And our eyes meet.
We share a moment.
Maybe even a chuckle.
As the Fitzgerald song goes, you’re my funny valentine.
Sweet comic valentine,
You make me smile with my heart.
Your looks are laughable, un-photographable,
(especially in your pajamas or on the toilet seat - who knows where this post will find you?)
Yet, you're my favorite work of art.
It’s a privilege being on your screen. Thank you for your gift of attention.
-Alp
