Sunday mornings I go to the gym to work out and every once in a while, I sit at the counter with my book and enjoy a full-on breakfast at Santa Barbara’s best.

This morning I was sitting at the counter and, for whatever reason, looked around the restaurant. All the booths and tables were filled with happy people enjoying each others company. Husbands and wives with kids; sets of couples sharing booths; college age kids; several groups of boisterous guys and a few groups of happy women.

Silly me, with my emotions hanging out  for everyone to see––as they always are––tears started to fill my eyes. It was embarrassing but I don’t think anyone was paying attention. What I was noticing was how exuberant and affable everyone was. What brought the tears to my eyes were these thoughts: “What if everyone got along this well all the time? Everyone in this restaurant ––except for families––were once strangers. And now that they know each other, look how happy they all are. Some could even be meeting people for the first time, but in this setting, they’re instantly accepted as a friend.”

If I hadn’t been sitting there alone, I might have missed this very special moment. In my heart, I was hugging everyone…so happy for all of them.

When you’re alone, take a moment to just notice what’s going on with the people around you. Most often, we’re busy, hustling from one thing to the other; not noticing the people around us, sometimes even those we’re interacting with; judging those who are different in dress, custom or beliefs; sometimes fearful simply because we don’t know someone. If you notice how disconnected you are, in that moment smile and remember, “We’re all strangers, but in the right circumstances, we could all be friends.”

From my heart to yours,

The Heart Whisperer™