Crying in my coffee

Sometimes random things move me to tears. I’m crying a little in my coffee right now.

I’m sitting in the basement of a Savannah coffee house (Java Burrito – hello coffee in front and burritos in the back? Yes, please! What a great concept!) I’ve been taking care of business (TCB) and nursing an Americano while a joyful meeting took place next to me at a large table. The type of meeting of employees that leaves me wanting for a “real job” with co-workers like them.

As the meeting ended, they were all embellishing adoration for each other. It seemed to be an “end-of-year before the holidays” type of get together and one of them brought Merry Christmas gift bags. They all gushed over her kindness and I was left wondering just what was in the bags. My thoughts moved back to research. As the giver left, she looked around the basement and saw me around the corner. She approached me with a friendly smile asking if I’d like a bag?

SHE GAVE ME A GIFT BAG!

I’m sitting here alone, feeling a little lonely, introverted as I work diligently trying to figure out what’s next in my professional life and write a book and BAM! a stranger reaches out and makes me feel more included than I’ve felt in a very long time. My heart is singing and my eyes are filled with some tears. The bag has tea pyramids and hot chocolate in it. How sweet. I feel so loved that she shared it.

As I wrote all of this, I reflected on my constant belief that we are all connected and that love & kindness is the bond. I opened my ears a bit to eavesdrop on a conversation between a new patron with an open laptop and the barista delivering her coffee. “Something something” about England. And I joined in. “You’re from England? My husband is English!” The patron and the barista both exclaimed joy at this revelation. We spent a few minutes sharing our connection and making each other smile.

The vibes are there between all of us. I have to remember to get out of my own way and be open to them even when I’ve not just been handed a holiday gift bag! Thank you to the stranger who altered my perspective today!