Day 50: Distracted By Lives
People are absolutely fascinating. We are so constantly surrounded by people we will never have the opportunity to know and each one has their own unique story, personality, and purpose. Those around us are currently experiencing intense emotions just like we are and it goes by completely unnoticed.
Today I was invited to study with a friend on my college's campus. As an online student and past homeschooler, I am used to doing most, if not all, of my work in areas that are void of people. Having this opportunity to work in a room filled with other people reminded me just how interesting people are.
The constant movement in a public room is astounding. Someone is always moving, or at least moving something, which leads to eye-catching movement. They go from one place to another with a destination in mind that is unknown to us, sitting for hours or quickly scrambling away for some reason. This dance of life is practically intoxicating to watch.
However, this is not the most interesting part about being near others.
What captivates my mind the most is the knowledge that everyone around me is living their own unique, vibrant, personal life just like I am. They are thinking and feeling, yet I will never be able to experience what it is like to be in their head. People around us are just as alive as we are, they go through their own pains and joys just like we do.
Maybe that is why I find it so distracting to be in a room full of people. Their stories and their memories intrigue me so much that I strive to see into them. Observing them when they are going about their normal activities allows one to take a small peek into their hearts and minds. When people are unaware of observation, they show more emotion and you can piece things together about them.
People are fascinating because they will exit our lives and continue about their own. Often we can take on the tendency to forget others are in existence right this second because we get caught up in our own comings and goings. Yet there are billions of people all over the world this second living their own personal life. They are thinking, they are feeling, and they are living.
How absolutely incredible is that? All around us are incredible stories from all kinds of backgrounds and years of experiences. Maybe next time we're out in public we should take a moment and engage a stranger in conversation, ask about their story and their life. Form connections in such a populated yet lonely world and see where they lead, you might be amazed at how beautiful someone's life can be.
Until Next Time,
Lillian Merritt