🙏
I ride the bus most days for work and I spend most of my time on my phone or reading a book. Today, I decided to start a conversation with a guy who was busily working on a drawing. Turns out he’s currently living on the street and makes his living on his drawings. He was a super nice guy just out there trying to make it. His creativity keeps him going and brings him joy. You never know what someone is going through and it was a great reminder of the power of creativity. Next time I see him I’m definitely buying a drawing.
Mar 5, 2024
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đź—Ł
over the past two years i’ve gotten quite good at speaking to new people, and in the past six months i’ve made it one of my favorite traits. i tell people i love their hair when i’m behind them at line at the shops. i befriended an older lady on the train home from work, we laughed and exchanged stories on the crowded rush hour car. i built a relationship with the lady at sandwich place near my work, to the point where she calls out my nickname (veggie melt) when i walk in, and gave me a free sandwich the day i lost my wallet. i draw her pictures every time, and the other day she offered me freelance illustration work as a result. there is so much beauty and possibility around us, so many stories we can unlock by talking to strangers. when im old and withered, i will mark my years by how many little threads i’ve woven into my life, how many gold links i’ve started by an innocuous interaction with somebody i simply hadn’t known yet.
Feb 26, 2024
yes, this is primarily for the purposes of well, reading, BUT..
i will say in the last couple of years nearly every time i am doing this out in the city an older person, between 70-90, will stop me to ask what i’m reading. often followed by a comment of “young people just don’t read out and about anymore”. this simple and sweet interaction has led to some of the most wonderful (sometimes hours long) conversations with folks who simply want to talk. about your book but then your life and interests and then their life, some incredible things they have done and pass on some of their beautiful life stories and sage advice.
i never feel more connected to humanity than in these happenstance conversations, learning new things about the world through the lens of someone who i likely would have never otherwise met.
i have managed to keep in touch with a few of these folks i’ve met through the years and it is one of my biggest sources of joy. and occasionally snap a portrait of them too, meet Dion, 84, from San Francisco here 💗
Apr 23, 2024
🧤
It’s nice to remember that the world is brimming with kind people. I by no means have lengthy conversations with them, but even a joke or an observation to the store attendant makes me feel like I am the sort of person who is casual about things. It’s fun and reminds me to get outside my (sometimes claustrophobic) bubble.
Jan 15, 2025
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🙏
Ive been sober for a year and five months. It hasn’t been an easy road, but it has changed my life, and I am incredibly grateful.
Feb 25, 2024
đź”®
Slowly learning the value of removing expectations from work and life. I’ve spent years trying to control the outcome of situations with no pay off and feeling burdened by something not being perfect.
We are not meant to excel at every single thing. It’s okay to relax and enjoy the process.
Mar 27, 2024
🕶
It’s free and sexy.
Feb 13, 2024