Never Leave Words Unsaid

On Sunday morning I covered a story about three teens that were shot at a YMCA birthday party the night before. One of those teens later died from their injuries. As I was sitting in the news truck between my live hits I saw an elderly woman on the sidewalk picking up trash. I rolled down my window to say hello.

I told her I thought it was wonderful that she was invested enough in her community to pick up the trash around her. She told me she had to take care of it because if she didn’t, trash would be piled high throughout the streets. We continued to talk about the community, which led us to discuss our views on life. It sounds cliché to say it but our conversation was exactly that, short and sweet. It left me with a sense of joy and gratitude. I had connected with a total stranger in about three minutes time.

Experiences like this one are not unique in my life. However when they do happen, I don’t take them for granted. I think some people think these raw moments only happen to a select group of people on Earth. I’d argue that those people aren’t welcoming the opportunity. I had to roll down my window and start up a conversation with a stranger. I had no idea what would happen, how this woman would respond. I had my mind open to whatever the experience would bring me.

We have to extend our arms and reach out. No one can do that for us. When you have that urge, like I did on Sunday morning, I encourage you to speak up. Don’t be afraid. The regret of not speaking up is painful. And I promise, maybe not every time, but there will be an occasion where you will be rewarded greatly for using your voice to connect to your brothers and sisters here on Earth.

#humanconnection #spirituality