It all starts with a simple greeting. Yes, in passing conversation it might mean little to nothing. We are accustomed to simply greet someone whether or not we care if they are doing very well or having an extremely rough day. Although this little chatter can mean nothing to some, it can also help and lead one when or if they need help or guidance.
My mom can tell you that I have millions of thoughts each day. They could be from new ideas recently scrolled through the Pinterest feed, new country side that I am itching to explore, or future plans that I want to set out to accomplish. On most days my thoughts may overwhelm a "normal" human being. I have a tendency of trying not to seeing a negative side of things. Although that may be positive trait, it soon leads my mind to wander in ever which way. In conclusion with that, lets say I always have extravagant dreams that some may think need toned down... but of course I think differently.
Goodness. Look at that again, I am getting off my point here. Actually, with these so called "blogs" I am never quite sure of the point I am trying to portray. That is where my "crazy" ideas come into play. I probably just started this to release some of my thoughts because now starting the 2nd Semester of College, I am moved back into my dorm, so the ability of telling my mom every exciting thought would require me walking 2 blocks back home, and that might put a strain on my body. (Just joking, I actually ran to my house today at 6 AM to pick up brownies for a friend.)
So, now to the real point or intended point of this. Multiple times throughout the day the same event and memory kept popping into my head. Why? I simply could not tell you a good reason for it, but it helped as a positive reminder during the hectic first day back in college classes, and trust me, I needed it.
Flashback a little over a year ago, and me stepping on my first plane in the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. On the way to the Majestic Spain. Eyes big and bright looking everywhere trying to capture every bit of detail in hopes that it could all sink in and stay with me forever. Scanning the rows of seats in the exceptionally large Boeing Dreamliner, I finally found my seat. Well, it was not exactly an ideal placement, but I was not complaining because remember, I was off to a magical land.
A few moments later I was greeted by two large men, and it looked like I was the lucky candidate that would be siting smack dab in the middle of them on the extensive 9 1/2 hour plane ride to Poland. Although they were strangers, I felt a warm presents. I felt as if I was not alone on this journey. I believe that very moment sitting in-between two large, Hungarian men that I feel in love with the idea, concept, action, whatever you so wish to call it, of traveling. The thought that everyone in that plane has a different story and a different background floored me. Many people were probably wondering why I was smiling so much as the others sifted through the aisle to find their seats, but the idea was very moving to me.
On the plane ride, I made a friend that I will always hold dear in my heart, although names were not even exchanged due to the fact we were so busy in conversation. During the plane ride the gentleman to the right of me, approximately a 25 year old Hungarian man, who had his degree in Business, practically kept a conversation with me 72.4% of the time spent on the plane.
And all of this started with a simple "hello and nice to meet you."
It was not predicted that we would strike up a conversation about life that would lead us into describing our aspirations as we mature and continue our education. As we said our goodbyes, knowing the chances of every talking were slim to none, we appreciated the time spent chatting away.
Fast forward 20 minutes.
Finally off the plane, and heading to Polish customs before I could catch my connecting flight to Madrid. Feeling like herds of cattle, I made my way in the direction of the gates in hopes of making my connecting flight.
Fast forward 30 more minutes.
My flight leaves in 15 minutes, still have approximately an hour left in the customs line, and STILL have to go through security again and then find the appropriate gate.
I feel a slight tap on my shoulder, and the choppy English words of "Lets go, I will fix this problem." Who would of guessed that my friend who was quite a ways ahead of me in the line, came back to find me. He knew I was going to miss my connecting flight as well as knowing that this was my first time in any foreign land, let alone first time in an airport trying to connect. He inched me up to the front with only a few angry people behind, all the way up to the security guard where my passport was stamp and I was off to catch my flight.
After he respectively went back to his original place in line, he told me to "RUN quickly!"
Again, the simple hello, the simple conversation that wouldn't really matter can help one in extraordinary ways.He was there to aggressively apologize in Polish to the ones behind us as he helped a nervous, first time traveling American make her way onto her next destination.
My reminder with this is: There are such good people in this world.
Nowadays, the negative thoughts and feeling towards people are consuming our everyday life. But this memory wipes it away from me. Yes, I know, not everything is rainbows and butterflies, but there is good. There is an abundance of spectacular things that we take for grant, like the simple passing conversation of 'Hello! How are you?'
I am thankful for the simple saying of hello, hola, hi, and everything in between, because it could either help one in the long run, or just add a smile to the day.
And we all could use a bit more smiling.
Just another thought to add to my 'thought bank'.
Blessings,
Sarah Turner
