During a time when I was living a different life, more focused on socialization and entertaining, I was also really stuck in the care of what people thought and how they responded to me. I had spent so much time in that groove of worry that it was almost unavoidable. I wish for you to never get caught in there.
My family lived on a street with lots of sidewalks and wooded trails. There was a neighbor who maintained a regular bike schedule, and I would see him pass often on my morning walks. Typically friendly, I would call over a good morning wish to him and wave. He would look at me and look back to his path without responding. No response.
Initially, I thought, “well okay, we’ll see about that.” not too bothered. I continued to send my hello and it continued to hang in the air unmet. The effort grew in gusto because I was for some reason determined to exchange this pleasantry. So silly but true. Why doesn’t he answer? I don’t remember how long this went on but I think at least a couple of months. In that time frame, my family structure changed , and I stopped taking my walks at the same time; everything became varied; I withdrew. When I did return for a lengthy morning walk, the man was still in his same spot at the same time, but when he approached I stayed quiet. I didn’t care if he said hello… and do you know that first week back out for the morning walk is when he did speak.
Hello!! Have a good day!
What???! Now that I don’t care, you speak!?? It’s a little example of what happens when we don’t worry or try so hard, when we become part of the unfolding and let go. I don’t want to recommend that you care less about others but that you care less about what they think and how they respond. Let that go.
Presence and Positivity 