strange world of strangers

We are all strangers. Every single person in our lives at one point in time was a stranger, except for ourselves. It is because of this that I recognize the value in being myself, because really, when it comes down to it, I am the only one who truly knows me.

Meeting strangers is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. Whether I’m on a train, in an airport, or simply walking on the street, having those small interactions with individuals who I will never see again remind me that I am human. From the smallest smile to holding the door open for one another, these everyday pleasantries create a universal sense of belonging in the world. I find these small remarks and general acknowledgements have recently been lost in the chaos of the world, so I wanted to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of being alive.

It is not every day that you meet someone you love, but when you do, there is an immediate connection. What was once a stranger can transform into your best friend, partner, or anyone else that matters to you in a matter of seconds, and it can start with those small notions of affirmation. From a young age, we are taught to never trust strangers; yet, weren’t the people we love the most once strangers to us? It is this question that makes me think deeply about being kind to all people, and recognizing that one day, our lives could again intersect.

The beauty of the world lies in these intersectionalities of separate lives. We all feel that ours is the most important, that everything that happens to us is the most important thing. But the truth is, our lives are quite insignificant in the grand scheme of things, so we should appreciate the small things that make us all human.