Talking to Strangers: Holiday Edition
With the world feeling so chaotic and senseless some days, I find it comforting to connect with other people and learn about their "whys" and what's getting them through tough days. Since the holidays and the end of year is upon us I thought it would be nice to hear what a few strangers want for the world this holiday season. Let me introduce you to three strangers who I’m so happy I met!
Name: Jas (short for Jasmine)
Occupation: Works for a dental practice
Jas was dressed in holiday cheer getting ready for a Christmas photo with her coworkers when I asked her if I could take her picture. She said “yes” with no hesitation and proceeded to smile, twirl, and deliver a loving kindness type of energy toward me and my camera. Her Christmas wish this season: “To be with my family. They don’t live here, but I get to be with them this Christmas.” When asked what the world needs more of she said: “The world needs more love. I’m a cheerful person who lives with no regrets, but I think the world definitely needs more love.”
Name: Sydney
Occupation: Bartender
Sydney was such a great sport when I walked into the tavern on a Tuesday afternoon and approached her out of the blue. I asked her about what it’s like working in a bar and if people connect meaningfully with one another. “I see a lot of people that come into the bar and this is their connection. I think this is the one place they don’t have to think about the heavy things in the world. I think having more places where people can go to have community is important. Part of the reason why the world feels messed up is we don’t have enough places for people to go for connection. My customers are my family. For example, if I needed help with my vehicle, it’s like someone knows someone and they are willing to help. Sydney moved to Colorado from Kansas in June and she says she appreciates the consistency of care among the customers. “Anything that has happened in my life that is hard—well, the people at this bar, they care and they consistently check in on me.”
Name: Justin
Occupation: Restaurant and yoga studio owner and artist
The wind was wicked when I met Justin out on a walk at Crown Hill Park with his two adorable French Bulldogs Ro-Z and Gonzo. I asked “what does the world need this holiday season?” He replied “the world needs more Frenchies.” As I smiled at his response and rambled on about why I’m talking to strangers, he agreed with me that connection with other humans is so necessary, especially this time of year. He told me “connection is medicine” is a mantra in the yoga studio he owns. It is medicine indeed, I couldn’t agree with him more! Justin plans to spend Christmas with his parents in Littleton. In addition to running a restaurant and a yoga practice, he creates both oil-based Bob Ross-style paintings and vibrant paintings of French Bulldogs.
Ro-Z and Gonzo