A Gentle Nudge Back into the World

Lately I’ve noticed something about myself…
 When life is changing, I tend to retreat.

And the more I isolate, the harder it feels to step back out again — even though getting out is exactly what I need.

A simple conversation with a stranger the other night reminded me how powerful small human moments can be.
 Not deep. Not life-changing.
 Just… human.

Maybe today we put the phone down for a minute.
 Look up. Smile. Say hello.

You never know what it might shift.

New episode: A Gentle Nudge Back into the World

If you try it today, tell me — did it change your mood even a little?

Transcript

Hi, It’s Mary and welcome back to Being Mary …

Can we talk about what it really feels like to close out a chapter in life?
 For me, I tend to slip into isolation mode without even noticing. And the funny thing is—once I realize I’m isolating, sometimes I dig even deeper into it.  When the truth is, what I really need is to just get out of the house. Even if it’s something as simple as wandering through the grocery store or being around people for five minutes.  Can you relate?

I heard something on a podcast recently:
 We should interact with a stranger every single day.
And I’ll be honest… I don’t always do that. Not naturally anyway. Sometimes I just mind my own business, do my errand and get home. 

But a couple days ago, I ended up having this random little chat with a stranger at the grocery store, and it actually energized me. It reminded me that even the smallest moment of connection can shift your mood in a way you didn’t expect.  

Putting ourselves out there isn’t always easy or comfortable. I get that. We’re so consumed with our devices, our routines, our own chaos… that we forget we’re human. And sometimes, we just need a little tap on the back to remind us.  

So here’s your gentle reminder:
 Give yourself an extra 5 or 10 minutes today.
 Go out. Be around people. Stand in line. And maybe—just for a moment—don’t reach for your phone.

Listen to this.  The other day I was in a city and drove past a bus stop. There were five or six people waiting there … and every single one was staring at their phones. Nobody talking. Nobody even looking up. It seems that it has become normal to be out in public but not actually in public, if you know what I mean.

And it made me wonder…
 If the internet and social media disappeared tomorrow, would we all collapse into depression? Or would we remember how people used to interact 30 years ago?

Connection is something that I crave. I know I need it. But, here’s the strange part, it’s not always from the people closest to me. Sometimes one moment with someone you don’t know is enough to shift your energy, even just a little.  And, Just maybe we are the only contact someone else may have with another person that day.  Just think about how they will feel.  

So I’m challenging myself to do more of that—and I hope you’ll join me.

If you do something a little uncomfortable today, like talking to a stranger, tell me in the comments:
 Did it change your mood?
 Give you a new perspective?
 Or did you just smile and keep walking?

It all counts.
 It all matters.
 Let’s be human. And 
 Let’s love each other a little more.

Until next time on Being Mary,  keep walking and keep being you!